Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has raved about the potential of Josh Acheampong after his side’s 3-0 victory over Legia Warsaw in the Conference League.
The Blues went into the first leg of their quarter-final tie in Poland aware that their opponents had taken the scalps of the likes of Aston Villa, AZ Alkmaar and Real Betis on home territory since September 2023.
However, it was largely one-way traffic as Chelsea dominated possession throughout the contest in Warsaw, albeit needing until the early stages of the second half to take the lead.
After Tyrique George converted from close range for his first senior goal, two Noni Madueke strikes secured a deserved win for the Premier League outfit ahead of next week’s second leg.
While it was George who made the headlines for his goal, it was fellow academy graduate Acheampong who received the most praise from his boss.
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“I fall in love with Josh”
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Maresca waxed lyrical about the talent and mentality of the 18-year-old, who started at right-back but showcased his versatility throughout the contest.
As quoted by football.london, the Italian said: “Very happy first of all for the Chelsea academy because it’s one of our boys from the academy so very happy for him.
“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, 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.”
He added: “The best thing from Josh also is that he’s open, he wants to learn; ‘Ok, full back? No problem, what do I have to do? ‘Perfect, midfielder, what do I have to do?’
“This is a player that they are, good player, they want to play in all position, they want to learn and Josh is doing that since we start, we use him in the way we are using Malo Gusto since we start, Cucurella, full back inside, central defender inside and he was very good tonight.”
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What next for Chelsea?
Chelsea now turn their attention to facing Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon, another crucial game in the race for a top-five finish in the Premier League table.
The reverse fixture against Legia Warsaw takes place on April 17, Acheampong seemingly in line for another start in that encounter.
Acheampong, who recently penned a contract until 2029, has racked up 511 minutes of senior football across nine appearances for Maresca this campaign, completing the 90 minutes on four occasions including in a Premier League fixture at Crystal Palace in January.
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