Chelsea booked their place in the Club World Cup Round of 16 with an emphatic 3-0 victory over ES Tunis, courtesy of goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, and Tyrique George.
There were quite a few players I could’ve chosen to spotlight for this game.
Liam Delap continues to show why Chelsea signed him, while Enzo Fernández dipped deep into his Cesc Fàbregas bag.
But it’s the academy graduate, Josh Acheampong, I want to focus on.
He has consistently proven himself to be one of the most versatile players at the club, but in this game, Maresca utilised him primarily on the right-hand side of the defence.
It’s fair to say this is probably where Acheampong thrives in Maresca’s setup.
Yet once again, demonstrating his adaptability, he finished the match on the left-hand side.
Defensively, Josh was performing years beyond his age. The 19-year-old didn’t face too much trouble from the Tunisian attack, but when called into action, he delivered.
Making one interception, one tackle, and winning four ground duels, Acheampong looked composed and assured.
Lining up alongside the experienced Tosin, there was never any doubt that Josh would crack under pressure.
When it comes to in-possession, the Englishman’s performance was just as classy.
One of Josh’s best attributes is his tremendous ball carrying ability.
This is a trait Maresca clearly values in his players, that quality to be able to progress forward and distribute the ball to the advanced midfielders gives Chelsea more freedom to work with.
We’ve seen it often this season, but yet again Josh covered a tremendous amount of ground for the Blues, speeding up attacks when needed and winning fouls with ease for his side.
Now, having seen Acheampong perform at this level not just against ES Tunis but consistently throughout the season, it begs the question what’s stopping Chelsea from handing him a bigger role next season?
The reality is, he’s proven time and time again that he’s a far more natural and suitable backup to Reece James than Malo Gusto.
That’s not to knock Gusto’s ability, but it’s clear Acheampong suits the way Maresca wants to play far better, and the performances of both men at this Club World Cup have been night and day.
The club now has a decision to make and it should be a straightforward one.
Josh Acheampong has more than earned the right to be James’ understudy moving forward.
His emergence has been one of the standout stories at Chelsea this past season, and it’s clear to see why the club was so eager to secure his long-term future.
