Paul Merson stunned by what Josh Acheampong did in Chelsea draw v Crystal Palace
01/04/2025 03:10 PM
Paul Merson was left in awe after Josh Acheampong’s fantastic full debut for Chelsea in a draw against Crystal Palace.
Chelsea took the lead inside 14 minutes against their London rivals as Cole Palmer once again got himself on the scoresheet.
After escaping the concession of penalty for a possible foul on Pedro Neto the Eagles managed to find an equaliser on the 82nd minute from their French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to rescue a point.
In spite of the disappointing result, Acheampong stood out for the Blues today playing in an unfamiliar position at centre-back on his full debut.
On Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (5.28pm) Merson said: “I’ve just got to say something. The young kid Acheampong who started today, very good, very good.
“For an 18-year-old to come into that Chelsea team, to come through the ranks, absolutely outstanding today.
“Passed one ball out of play but bar that didn’t put a foot wrong.”
Josh Acheampong back in Chelsea plans after contract renewal
Football Insider opinion
Acheampong’s Chelsea career looked over before it had even began after refusing to sign a contract extension [Daily Mail].
The England U-19 international was frozen out of the squad amid rumours that he may be on his way to an international giant, and was linked with Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund [Daily Mail].
However, after signing a new deal in December 2024, the right-back has been reintegrated into both the U-21 and Senior teams and featured twice in the UEFA Conference League for the Blues.
Acheampong’s great showings in Europe, and now domestically for Chelsea will likely see him become even more involved as Enzo Maresca looks to sustain Chelsea’s title charge.
The Blues have fallen to fourth in the table and are winless in their last four games, while their next game is at home to Morecambe in the FA Cup third round.
In other news, two Chelsea stars look set to be on their way out.
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The post Paul Merson stunned by what Josh Acheampong did in Chelsea draw v Crystal Palace appeared first on Football Insider.
