‘Best in the world’ – Chelsea fans blown away by starter’s ‘masterclass’ vs Atalanta, compared him to club legend
Chelsea supporters believed Enzo Maresca was finally playing one of their best players during the 2-1 defeat to Atalanta.
Despite featuring in the draw with Bournemouth, Cole Palmer was nowhere to be seen, with the Blues trying to manage his workload, with Liam Delap also sidelined recently.
Fans will have been uncertain before heading out to Italy on Tuesday, 9 December, but nerves were relaxed after just 25 minutes, as Joao Pedro netted the first Champions League goal of his career.
Chelsea fans have been calling for Josh Acheampong to start, and he finally did, with the decision proving vital with a brilliant block.
However, the Blues did concede early in the second half, with Charles De Ketelaere finally completing the comeback for the Serie A giants in the final 10 minutes.
Chelsea fans blown away by Josh Acheampong
In the 19th minute, the 19-year-old put in a sensational sliding challenge to deny Ademola Lookman, cementing himself as one of the best players on the pitch during the first half.
One supporter was impressed to describe the challenge as “John Terry-esque”, which is a huge compliment in itself, with another labelling him the “best defender in the world”.
Maresca admitted that Acheampong should have been on the pitch from the start during the defeat to Leeds United, and fans are now hoping that the youngster gets more chances to impress.
- @tovers98: “Josh Acheampong has been fantastic. He’s made so many key tackles, blocks, and is calm and assertive on the ball. Needs to play more.”
- @TucheIBall: “Very poor first half. Lucky to be ahead. Josh Acheampong has been our best player so far.”
- @LewieAshtrey: “Josh Acheampong with a John Terry-esque tackle in front of goal.”
John Terry has already delivered his stamp of approval
Terry has already spoken highly about the youngster, saying he was “delighted” after the defender scored his first senior goal for the Blues against Nottingham Forest in October [Chelsea Chronicle].
Supporters have been baffled to see the teenager being forced to sit on the bench while those around him make mistakes, appear uncomfortable, or just don’t look as good in defence.
He has just 23 first-team appearances to his name, but as Maresca continues to put trust in him, he should be one of the first names on the teamsheet within no time at all.
Sadly, he was one of Chelsea‘s only shining lights on a frustrating night, as Atalanta came from a goal behind the hand the Blues their second European defeat of the campaign.