Chelsea Coach Enzo Maresca Promises Regular Starts for Josh Acheampong After Standout Premier League Debut
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has made a bold statement following the Blues’ opening match of the 2025/26 Premier League season. After a frustrating 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, the Italian coach confirmed that 19-year-old defender Josh Acheampong will now become a regular starter for Chelsea.
The decision comes after Acheampong’s impressive performance at Stamford Bridge, where he showed maturity well beyond his years. His energy, composure, and tactical awareness stood out in what was otherwise a disappointing evening for the team.
Acheampong’s Incredible Stats vs Crystal Palace
The Chelsea academy graduate delivered a near-flawless display:
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90 minutes played
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81/87 passes completed (93% accuracy)
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2/2 tackles won
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4/5 ground duels won
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5 clearances & 4 recoveries
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0 fouls committed
For a teenager making one of his first senior appearances, those numbers highlight why fans and his manager are already calling him a future star.
Fans React: “This Kid Is the Future”
Chelsea supporters flooded social media with praise for the young defender. Many called Acheampong a “machine,” with one fan writing: “He’s everywhere—running, tackling, winning the ball. This kid is the future.”
The excitement around Acheampong echoes Chelsea’s long tradition of academy graduates breaking into the first team. From John Terry to Mason Mount, and now possibly Acheampong, fans believe the club’s youth pipeline is stronger than ever.
Maresca’s Bold Promise
Speaking after the game, Enzo Maresca admitted Acheampong’s display was “too good to ignore.” He praised the youngster’s mentality, discipline, and intelligence, confirming that he will reward him with regular starts this season.
Maresca’s approach is clear—blend youthful energy with experienced leaders to build a Chelsea team ready for the future. Acheampong’s rise fits perfectly into that vision, and his style of play—calm on the ball, aggressive in duels, and tactically sharp—makes him an ideal fit for the new system.
What This Means for Chelsea
While the goalless draw against Crystal Palace highlighted Chelsea’s ongoing struggles in attack, Acheampong’s emergence offered a silver lining. His presence at the back could become a vital asset in tight matches, giving the Blues stability and confidence in defence.
With Maresca’s public vow to make him a starter, the stage is set for Josh Acheampong to become one of the defining players of Chelsea’s new era. If his debut performance is anything to go by, the 19-year-old could soon be a cornerstone of the Blues’ defence for years to come.