A name fast becoming familiar amongst the Chelsea faithfuls—JOSH ACHEAMPONG.

The 18-year old academy graduate started his 4th match in the Europa conference league tonight against Legia Warszawa.

Playing at right back and becoming a RCB when Chelsea had settled possession in the first half, Josh Acheampong barely looked ruffled by the occasion and settled in nicely despite the raucous Polish crowd right behind him.

Driving with the ball and beating the occasional Legia press, Josh’s ability to dribble out of pressure (completed most dribbles-2) helped Chelsea gain complete control after an initial first 2-minute Legia foray forward.

Despite having complete control in the first half, Chelsea barely threatened the Legia goal and that soon changed after the break. 

After the first half break, Enzo Maresca tweaked the team and had Josh Acheampong invert into midfield from right back. There and then was where things got interesting.

Stationed alongside captain Reece James in midfield, Josh showed immense maturity and alertness with his scanning and quick one-twos to create space and find the free man in between the lines, showing massive improvements from the last time he played that role against Copenhagen at the bridge. 

To further prove his improvement and how much trust Maresca now has in the 18-year old, the Italian manager trusted him with the engine room for a period in the game after substituting off Reece James.

Fulfilling all 3 roles, Josh Acheampong created 3 chances, won 4/8 ground duels and made 2 blocks (one goal-saving block in the 2nd minute). 

It is rare enough to see 18-year old defenders start for top clubs like Chelsea but to then have the versatility and maturity to play multiple roles in a possession-based system means you have something special, a gem—JOSH ACHEAMPONG. 

It is expected that offers troop in for the 18-year old after previous rumors of interested clubs before he signed his new contract but Chelsea must maintain the NO SALE stance and keep the 18-year old academy graduate happy and at Stamford Bridge at all cost.