Josh Acheampong celebrated signing a long-term Chelsea contract this week by playing 90 minutes in the club’s win over Shamrock Rovers on Thursday night.
Chelsea wrapped up the group phase of the Conference League yesterday with a 5-1 victory at home to Shamrock Rovers.
Acheampong, who’s just 18, played the full game for the Blues in defence. He actually started at right-back before slotting into a central defensive position during the second half.
The versatile Englishman is now tied down at Stamford Bridge until 2029 after a resolution was found in his contract stand-off.
Chelsea think Acheampong’s new deal is a statement of intent after keeping one of their best academy graduates.
Chelsea fans tip Josh Acheampong for Premier League minutes
A selection of Chelsea supporters on social media agree that Acheampong is ready to contribute for them in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca, the Blues manager, has used the talented youngster in the cups. However, the teenager’s only league appearance was his senior debut last season versus Tottenham.
Here are many Chelsea fans on X suggesting that Acheampong should feature in the Premier League:
One fan wrote: “I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Josh Acheampong start in the Premier League soon. Another top performance. The way this kid moves. He absolutely has a future with Chelsea.”
“Chelsea should not buy another defender. We already have Josh Acheampong. Give him some minutes in the Premier League and he will deliver,” another supporter added.
One fan posted: “Josh Acheampong is a more active and proactive defender than any of our other defenders, with the exception of pre-injury [Wesley] Fofana. Acheampong needs to start in Premier League games moving forward.”
“Acheampong must start against Everton. Superstar in the making. What a player,” another supporter claimed.
Tosin Adarabioyo claims Chelsea’s Acheampong can become a top defender because of the skillset he possesses.
The 18-year-old has been fully promoted to the first-team squad now, along with Tyrique George. It’s fantastic to see that Cobham keeps producing rising stars.
Josh Acheampong shines vs Shamrock Rovers
Acheampong seemed very assured and confident during Chelsea’s convincing midweek win in Europe.
Here is a look at the defender’s individual statistics against Shamrock Rovers via FOTMOB:
- Minutes played – 90
- Match rating – 7.8
- Touches – 127
- Accurate passes – 101/107 (94%)
- Successful dribbles – 2/2 (100%)
- Tackles won – 2/3 (67%)
- Recoveries – 4
- Clearances – 1
- Ground duels won – 6/7 (86%)
- Aerial duels won – 2/2 (100%)
Of course, Acheampong is going to face much tougher tests, particularly if he does get a look-in for the Premier League. It’s easy to see why the club was so desperate to secure his long-term future, though.
Maresca thinks Acheampong is perfect for his Chelsea system, which is obvious because he can cover at both full-back or centre-half.
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