Enzo Maresca says he ‘fell in love’ with one Chelsea player after win vs Legia Warsaw

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Chelsea players stepped up when needed to in the Conference League quarter-final to put more than one foot in the semi-finals.

The Blues ran out 3-0 winners in the end, despite being frustrated and held to a goalless first half, where the likes of Cole Palmer found no joy.

It was Enzo Maresca’s half-time changes which made the difference for the Blues. Noni Madueke came off the bench to score twice and provide much needed pace and directness down the right wing.

The scoring got underway thanks to Tyrique George, who scored his first goal for the first team after his promotion from the academy earlier this season.

George starred for the Blues in a game where he was due a start, after being left out of the side for a number of consecutive Premier League outings.

Enzo Maresca says he ‘fell in love’ with Josh Acheampong in Chelsea’s Conference League win

Despite the likes of Palmer featuring, there was still space in the side for a number of fringe players and youngsters to feature. Josh Acheampong was handed an increasingly rare start on the right of defence.

The youngster’s role changed in the different half, with him picking up positions centrally that Malo Gusto had been doing in the first half.

His performance left a real impression on Maresca, who claimed in his post-match press conference that he had ‘fell in love’ with Acheampong for his display.

He said to Football London: “The one I fall in love with tonight is Josh Acheampong. He can be a fantastic player for this club. A good player can play in different positions and he showed that. Since we started, I’m in love with him but tonight he showed he can be a very good player for this club.

“He can be good in different positions. The best thing for Josh is that he’s open – he wants to learn. ‘Full-back? No problem, what do I have to do?”

Acheampong impresses Chelsea fans

Blues fans were made to wait for their side to kick into gear in Poland, however when they did they showed signs of their unstoppable best from earlier this season.

Supporters picked out Acheampong for praise after his performance, with them now keen to see him earn more minutes between now and the end of the season.

The youngster will almost certainly start in the second leg, however appearances in the Premier League are what he needs to further his development.