Chelsea have one foot in the Europa Conference League semi-finals after hammering Legia Warsaw 3-0 in their quarter-final first leg on Thursday.
Chelsea youngster Tyrique George put the Blues ahead in the 49th minute with his first goal for the club, slotting home on the rebound after Reece James’ shot was saved.
Noni Madueke then struck on 57 minutes and 74 minutes, both times being set up by Jadon Sancho, to put Chelsea out of Legia’s reach on the night and possibly in the tie.
Although the spotlight was on George, Madueke and Sancho for their key contributions, plenty of Chelsea fans were singing the praises of a different player.
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Chelsea fans rave about Josh Acheampong after superb display against Legia Warsaw
The player in question is Josh Acheampong, who delivered a wonderful display on the right flank, both defensively and offensively.
One fan wrote on X, when asked for his man of the match: “Acheampong, he was everywhere. Second George, was really brilliant tonight.”
Another said: “Josh Acheampong was solid at the back and spectacular in midfield. He is just 18. Great potential!”
The praise kept coming, with one fan writing: “The Cobham lads stepped up big time. Acheampong looked calm and reliable at right-back, and Tyrique George took his goal with real composure.
“With performances like that, they’ve earned a shot at more Premier League minutes.”
Another said: “Acheampong just glides on the pitch man. He is so confident every time and knows how good he is ball carrying and he’s so good with the ball at his feet.
“Fast feet. Top 1v1. Great weight of passing. Play him in midfield or anywhere. He will show all his qualities. Just a good footballer all round. Cobham has definitely done it again.”
Another wrote: “Josh Acheampong’s potential is limitless. Did you see how versatile he was against Legia? How comfortable he looked in every position? Cobham has done it, again.”
What Enzo Maresca said about Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George
After the game, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was asked how pleased he was for George to get his first goal for the Blues.
Maresca complimented George before singing Acheampong’s praises, hailing his quality, versatility and character.
“Very happy first of all for the Chelsea academy because it’s one of our boys from the academy so very happy for him,” said Maresca, as per football.london.
“He was quite good first half, take responsibility, second half in the middle probably was a bit better.
“But the one that I fall in love tonight is Josh Acheampong because for me potentially he can be fantastic player, top player for this club.
Josh Acheampong stats v Legia | |
Minutes played | 90′ |
Blocked shots | 2 |
Interceptions | 2 |
Total tackles | 1 |
Dribbled past | 1 |
Ground duels (won) | 8 (4) |
Touches | 107 |
Accurate passes | 83/86 (97%) |
Key passes | 2 |
Long balls (acc.) | 1 (1) |
Dribble attempts (succ.) | 2 (2) |
“For the football in general and a good player show you that can play in different position and he can do good, he was full back, good, midfielder, good, central defender, good.
“So it’s not about I play in that position or in that position, if you are good player you can be in different position.
“And tonight I fall in love with Josh because to be honest since we start I’m in love with him but tonight he show that he can be a very good player for this club.”