'Can be a great player for this club': Enzo Maresca says Chelsea have a youngster who's 'really impressed' him

Chelsea are having a great season, putting themselves firmly in the Premier League title picture and also flying in the Europa Conference League.

The Blues boast one of the youngest squads in the Premier League, with an average age of just under 24.

In addition, Chelsea have some great academy gems coming through, which fans have been able to see plenty of in the Europa Conference League.

One such player is Josh Acheampong, an 18-year-old defender who Chelsea fans have backed for a bright future at Stamford Bridge.

Acheampong was frozen out at Chelsea for a few months due to stalling contract talks, but he has since penned a new deal with the Blues.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca gave his verdict on Acheampong ahead of the Blues’ European meeting with Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge.

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Enzo Maresca backs Josh Acheampong to become ‘great player’ for Chelsea

Maresca told reporters at his pre-match press conference that Acheampong “really impressed” him in pre-season and that he can become “great” for Chelsea.

When asked how pleased he was that the youngster has penned a new contract at Stamford Bridge, Maresca said: “Very, very happy.

“Josh has been quite clear, he was with us in pre-season. I didn’t know him personally, but after two or three days that he was there with us, he really impressed me.

“Since the pre-season I was trying to understand a little bit the situation with him in terms of contract and these kind of things.

“Now finally the club found an agreement with him and we are all happy because we are all convinced and sure that Josh can be a great player for this club.”

What Maresca has said about Acheampong’s immediate future

Premier League youngsters often build experience by going out on loan, but Maresca isn’t planning this with Acheampong.

“My personal opinion is that he has to stay close to us,” said the Chelsea boss. “So as much as we can keep him here, it’s much better.”

Acheampong made his full Chelsea debut in the Europa Conference League victory over Astana in Kazakhstan.

He was also named among the substitutes for the Blues’ victory over Brentford on Sunday, so it’s clear that he’s in the first-team picture already.