Maresca’s Bold Faith in Josh Acheampong Merits Praise

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca deserves recognition for swiftly integrating 18-year-old Josh Acheampong into the first team, showcasing his trust in young talent.

Original Source
Chelsea News
Written by
14 Jan
19:24
Opinion

The1905.Club Summary

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has demonstrated commendable bravery and foresight by entrusting 18-year-old defender Josh Acheampong with key starts in competitive fixtures, including tonight's crucial Premier League clash against Bournemouth. Despite frustrations over youth integration in other matches, Maresca's decision to prioritize Acheampong over more established players like Tosin Adarabioyo highlights his belief in the wonderkid’s talent and potential.

Key Points

  • Rapid Progression: After resolving a contract dispute, Acheampong has quickly risen to first-team prominence, earning starts in the Conference League and Premier League.
  • Managerial Trust: Maresca's willingness to rely on Acheampong in high-stakes games shows his faith in the player’s abilities, even over experienced signings.
  • Impressive Performances: Acheampong’s standout showing against Crystal Palace, where Maresca called him Chelsea’s best player, reinforces his readiness for top-level football.
  • Youth Integration Strategy: While Maresca’s broader youth player usage has been questioned, his treatment of Acheampong sets a strong example of nurturing exceptional talent.

More On This Story

Sources covering the same article appear below 👇  
Photo Credit
Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC
View original content
Written by 
match report
Live data provided by