Josh Acheampong names the Chelsea star who’s really inspiring him right now

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Josh Acheampong looks to be loving life at Chelsea at present, with the young defender currently on tour with the first team.

Josh Acheampong played in Chelsea‘s first pre-season game of their United States tour, a 2-2 draw with Wrexham.

The new Chelsea manager seems to be a fan of him as well. Enzo Maresca name-checked Acheampong when explaining why Trevoh Chalobah had been excluded from the Blues’ trip to the States.

With Acheampong still being 18 and Chelsea having options in central defence and at right-back, though, it remains to be seen whether he remains part of the first team.

Whatever happens, the England youth international can be happy with the fact that he is with the Chelsea first team right now.

• READ MORE: Chelsea think their youngster is an ‘elite prospect’, Enzo Maresca wants to work closely with him

Josh Acheampong looks up to Reece James

Acheampong will want to follow in the footsteps of Reece James, a player who has come through Chelsea’s academy and is now captaining the Blues.

Acheampong has already revealed that James and his journey have inspired him as he looks to become a Chelsea first-team regular one day.

In a post shared by Chelsea’s official website, Acheampong said: “Seeing where Reece has come from, through the academy like me and Tyrique [George], to now being captain of Chelsea is inspiring. He understands what we’re going through. He’s really helpful.”

Andy Townsend hopes James can stay fit after a few years of constant injuries. If not, then there are the likes of Acheampong and Malo Gusto who could come in for him in the new season.

Reece James can become an even better role model

There is no denying that James is an exceptional full-back. But as a captain, there is certainly room for him to grow.

The England international got some daft red cards last season, and he is now going to miss Chelsea’s first few games of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign as a result.

If he can become more calm and less rash in games, then young defenders like Acheampong will have even more reason to look up to the Chelsea captain.

So far, James has enjoyed playing in his new role under Maresca, inverted full-back. That willingness to listen to his manager and try new things out is also something that others can look at.