Maresca already knows Chelsea's next 'top defender'

Tom Weber

Updated: 20 Sept 2024 19:32 BST
3 min read

Enzo Maresca has hailed Josh Acheampang as Chelsea's next 'top defender' but still refuses to use him.

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The Blues have a right-back problem. Despite a summer of lavish spending, Chelsea currently find themselves short on options for the right side of their defence.

Captain Reece James is once again injured and coach Maresca has 'no idea' when he will return, while Malo Gusto is also currently nursing an ailment that is keeping him away from the pitch.

Axel Disasi deputised for James and Gusto against Bournemouth at the weekend but did not do a particularly good job. Despite the 1-0 win over the Cherries, Chelsea's performance came under fire and the Frenchman in particular was singled out for criticism.

In light of this, Maresca's decision to not utilise highly-rated academy product Josh Acheampong has been questioned and the boss has now responded.

Maresca on Acheampong

Speaking to the media ahead of Chelsea's clash with West Ham, the Italian hailed the 18-year-old as 'potentially' the club's next 'top defender' before insisting that he needs to 'moderate' his integration into the first team.

"I really like Josh," Maresca said. "For me, he can potentially be a top defender in the future. With young players, I like to modify them a little bit. Today, they can change really quick. They can think they are so good, or so bad, but you need to moderate a bit the way they join us."

Acheampong has received lavish praise for his performances at the youth level and the fact that he has yet to receive senior minutes under Maresca has led to suggestions that he could leave the club, with Newcastle among the sides linked with him.

His only first-team outing to date came in a five-minute cameo against Tottenham under Mauricio Pochettino last season.

Read more about: Premier League, Chelsea, Josh Acheampong