Alan Shearer really impressed with Chelsea player who stepped up in Liverpool win

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The defence that Enzo Maresca put out in Chelsea’s game against Liverpool over the weekend was a bit of a makeshift one.

Because of injuries to Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo, Maresca had to go with a centre-back partnership of Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong.

Badiashile has had his own fitness problems, while Acheampong is only 19 and naturally a full-back.

Badiashile and Acheampong were substituted during the game, but they would have been satisfied with their performances on the pitch.

• READ MORE: Jason Cundy hails Chelsea defender as ‘outstanding’ for his performance in 2-1 win vs Liverpool

Alan Shearer impressed with Josh Acheampong

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer was particularly impressed with Acheampong’s performance, saying as much after the match.

Speaking about Acheampong on The Rest Is Football, Shearer said: “When you consider the injuries, particularly defensively that Chelsea had, for him to come in and step up like he did… I was impressed with him. He had a good game.”

That was only Acheampong’s second start in the Premier League this season, with his first coming in Chelsea‘s opening game against Crystal Palace at the beginning of the campaign.

Given the Blues’ predicament in central defence, Acheampong should probably have had another one or two starts to his name by now.

He at least got the nod at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and did not disappoint. Without a doubt, Acheampong was one of the big winners from Chelsea’s victory.

What Frank Leboeuf has said about Josh Acheampong following Liverpool display

Acheampong and his centre-half partner Badiashile were so good against Arne Slot’s side that they actually surprised Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf.

As Leboeuf discussed Acheampong and Badiashile after the game, he said: “I was very surprised by Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong. Very strong, organised, talking and covering for each other. They were absolutely outstanding.”

Badiashile was also solid against Benfica. Maresca now just needs the Frenchman to stay fit.

If he can, then that should soften the blow of losing Colwill for most of the season. Badiashile, Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah and Jorrel Hato are not bad options.

You cannot help but feel, though, that Chelsea would really benefit if they had another experienced centre-back in their squad, someone like Crystal Palace captain and former Chelsea academy player Marc Guehi. Perhaps it is something that the club will think about in January.