English Ghanaian defender Josh Acheampong
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca waxed lyrical about English-Ghanaian defender Josh Acheampong after an impressive display in the Europa Conference League game against Legia Warsaw.
The 18-year-old England youth international starred for the Blues, playing the entire match as the Premier League side traveled to Poland to secure a commanding first-leg quarter-final victory over Legia.
A brace from Noni Madueke and a strike from fellow youngster and academy product Tyrique George were enough for the Blues to take control of the tie.
Despite the healthy lead, it was Acheampong’s performance that caught the attention of Maresca, who insists the youngster has the potential to reach the top.
“The one I fell in love with tonight was Josh Acheampong,” he said after the game. “For me, potentially, he can be a fantastic player for this club and in football in general.
“Since we started, I’ve been in love with him, but tonight he showed he can be a very good player for this club.”
“A good player shows you they can play in different positions,” added Maresca.
He continued: “He was good as a full-back, good as a midfielder, and good as a central defender. It’s not about playing in that position or this position. If you are a good player, you can play in different positions.
“He can be good in different positions. The best thing about Josh also is he is open. He wants to learn. Full-back? Okay, no problem. What do I have to do? Perfect. Midfielder? What do I have to do?
“This is a player who wants to play in all positions, who wants to learn. Josh has been doing that since we started.”
