With so many games just around the corner for Chelsea, Enzo Maresca may need to shuffle his pack after the international break. We think there’s a brand new partnership that he should definitely experiment with in the near future.
Chelsea will soon play seven matches in just 22 days across all competitions before October’s international break, meaning we expect to see plenty of rotation with the team.
After the summer transfer window, Chelsea feel they have a stronger squad than last season. That should be put to the test because they have Champions League football to balance alongside all their domestic commitments.
Chelsea should try pairing Josh Acheampong with Wesley Fofana
With Levi Colwill out injured, Chelsea’s centre-back pairing right now appears to be Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah. We’re not against the impressive duo continuing to start games together while in strong form, too.
However, we’d love to see a brand new partnership of Josh Acheampong and Wesley Fofana used together for the first time.
The Blues have never used an Acheampong-Fofana combination before in central defence, but we definitely think it’s something that Maresca should bring to life in some of the games ahead.
Even though Tosin and Chalobah are in possession of the centre-half spots right now, they can’t be expected to play every game. On top of that, Acheampong and Fofana should have eyes on a spot in the best XI.
Acheampong, aged just 19, is a versatile defender who’s looked mature beyond his years since stepping up from the Blues academy to the first-team squad.
Acheampong was outstanding against Crystal Palace at centre-back in Chelsea’s goalless draw in their opening Premier League match of the season. Since then he’s watched from the bench back-to-back league wins over West Ham and Fulham.
Ultimately, we want to see the talented teenager trusted more going into this busy schedule.
Next to him, Fofana could be a great option to partner him, providing the experience and star quality.
The 24-year-old defender has watched most of the season so far from the bench, which is understandable after returning from the latest injury, but Maresca will need to be brave enough to give him a start soon.
It’s not always a great idea to split up centre-back partnerships that are working, so rotating Chalobah and Tosin for Acheampong and Fofana in certain matches would be something we’d love to see. For what it’s worth, we would argue the latter actually have a much higher ceiling as defenders.
Josh Acheampong and Wesley Fofana are super exciting on paper
We won’t know until the day that we see it on the field, but we’re excited by the thought of Acheampong and Fofana together. In fact, it could be quite special if the duo click straight away.
Acheampong clearly possesses incredible composure and ball-playing qualities, while Fofana defends with such authority and aggression.
Of course, Fofana’s injury record means it’s hard to get too excited about him until he strings a run of matches together. It’s worth remembering that we’ve seen teammates such as Pedro Neto and Reece James fight back from frequent injuries under Maresca’s watch.
Troy Deeney’s assessment of Fofana is that he can still be one of the best central defenders in the world if he can get himself fit.
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