Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Legia Warsaw was a statement night for 18-year-old Josh-Kofi Acheampong, who shone in multiple roles and earned glowing praise from Enzo Maresca, reaffirming the coach’s belief in his potential as a future star.
Josh-Kofi Acheampong stole the spotlight in Chelsea’s convincing 3-0 away win against Legia Warsaw, delivering a mature and versatile performance that reminded everyone why Enzo Maresca has been so vocal in his admiration for the teenager. Starting at right-back and later operating as a midfielder, Acheampong’s intelligence, composure, and decision-making stood out — especially during a surging run that created Chelsea’s best first-half chance.
Maresca called him a “fantastic player” with the potential to become a top-level professional, citing his openness to learn and perform across multiple positions. Acheampong’s path hasn’t been linear — early promise in January was followed by reduced minutes — but Thursday’s performance showed he’s firmly in Maresca’s plans as Chelsea push for European success and a top-five Premier League finish. His progress, alongside fellow academy graduates Tyrique George and Shim Mheuka, signals that Chelsea’s youth development remains a key component of the club’s future.