Chelsea’s injury woes at the back saw them hand one of their academy graduates a first Premier League start in their last game against Crystal Palace.
Josh Acheampong was entrusted with starting alongside Levi Colwill at the back at Selhurst Park in a game where the Blues conceded late to eventually draw 1-1.
Enzo Maresca said Acheampong was Chelsea’s best player on the day, and he certainly didn’t look out of place alongside the first team stars.
| Josh Acheampong vs Crystal Palace | Total |
| Touches | 86 |
| Successful passes | 69 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Dribbled past | 0 |
Chelsea think starting regularly is too much for Josh Acheampong
There looked a real possibility that the youngster may never play for his boyhood club again after he was frozen out of all duties following a dispute over his contract.
However, the 18-year-old signed a new deal that saw him commit his future to the club, clearly under the impression that he would be handed opportunities to feature more regularly.
Despite his promotion to the first team squad permanently, reports have not gone away that Chelsea are looking to sign a new defender in January.
According to Kieran Gill, there is a sense at Chelsea that they feel it would be too much too soon for Acheampong to be entrusted with the role of starting every week.
He said: “Josh Acheampong was Chelsea’s best player vs Crystal Palace, according to Enzo Maresca. But sense is it would be too much, too soon for the 18yo graduate to be starting weekly in Premier League.”
There seems to be far less trust from Maresca at this stage for the likes of Axel Disasi, who was left on the bench at the weekend in favour of the youngster.
Which centre-backs could Chelsea sign?
Chelsea have been linked to a number of options to strengthen at the back, with the top candidate right now seeming to be Marc Guehi.
The Crystal Palace captain has emerged near the top of the list this month, even though the deal would be much easier to pull off in the summer.
Maresca is reportedly a big fan of Guehi, and his time at the club in the past will no doubt play in his favour if a decision is made.
The Blues are also considering recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace, despite their poor treatment of him over the summer.
With as many as seven names on Chelsea’s transfer shortlist, it looks as if there is going to be some serious thought given if they do want to bring in a new option.
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