Every week, OneFootball introduces you to the new gems of world football. This time, we head to London, to Chelsea, where Josh Acheampong is gradually establishing himself as one of the most promising defensive profiles of his generation.
At just 19 years old, the English defender trained at the Blues has already tasted the very high level. Capable of playing both in the center and as a right-back, Acheampong perfectly embodies the modern defender: versatile, athletic, and comfortable with the ball at his feet.
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Having joined Chelsea’s academy at a very young age, he quickly stood out for his maturity and game reading. His consistent performances with the youth teams opened the doors to the professional group, leading to his debut in the Premier League during the 2023-2024 season.
What stands out about Acheampong is his composure. Despite his young age, he exudes great solidity in duels, a good sense of positioning, and an ability to defend while advancing. These qualities have earned him the trust of Mauricio Pochettino and then Enzo Maresca.
In this 2025-2026 season, he faces increased competition in a very competitive defensive sector at Chelsea, but he continues to capitalize on every opportunity to establish himself as a solid choice for the future (6 PL matches, 1 goal).
As time goes on, Acheampong confirms that he is indeed an important piece of the Blues’ project, with the potential to become one of the standout defenders of his generation.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.
📸 Michael Regan – 2025 Getty Images
