Chelsea fans are all saying the same thing about Josh Acheampong after win over Astana
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Chelsea secured their place in the last 16 of the Europa Conference League on Thursday after running out 3-1 winners over FC Astana in Almaty.
The Blues took a young team to Kazakhstan but still had more than enough to record a routine victory over the Yellow and Blues.
Chelsea opened the scoring in the 14th minute as Marc Guiu surged down the right wing and into the box before slotting home at the near post.
Four minutes later, Guiu played a huge part in Chelsea’s second, bundling the ball goalward as Aleksandr Marochkin got the final touch for an own goal.
The Blues’ third came on 38 minutes as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall whipped in a corner that the unmarked Renato Veiga headed in from close range.
However, Astana managed to get one back on the stroke of half-time, Marin Tomasov curling a left-footed effort in off the far post.
Neither side could find another goal in the second half, ensuring Chelsea would make the eight-hour trip back to London with all three points in hand.
During and after the game, Chelsea fans were discussing Josh Acheampong, who returned to the side after being frozen out for months.
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Chelsea fans excited by Josh Acheampong future
TBR Football was told back in October that Chelsea were growing frustrated with Acheampong's camp in their attempts to tie him down to a new deal.
However, Enzo Maresca confirmed ahead of the game that a new Chelsea contract for Acheampong was close and that the player would be involved against Astana.
The 18-year-old duly started and played the full 90 minutes, delivering a performance that led to Chelsea fans saying he’s got a great future at the club.
One fan said on X: “Josh Acheampong is a talent that a lot of Chelsea supporters have been raving about for a few years now.
“After all of the contract news in recent months, it was nice to see Josh start and put together a great performance. He absolutely has a future with Chelsea.”
Another wrote: “My hot take is that Josh Acheampong can nail down the RCB/RB spot for the next several years if given a fair chance. Such a unique profile for the role.”
The praise kept coming, with one fan saying: “Acheampong has a massive future at Chelsea. Especially if we consider the reality of other players in that position.
“Hope he signs the contract asap and we can see more from him.”
Other youngsters who featured were praised alongside Acheampong, with one supporter saying: “Veiga and Acheampong really impressed me today.
“Some solid defending and Veiga got his goal. The future is bright knowing we have these type of talents waiting to make an impact.”
Another added: “Decent performances by our youngsters Guiu, Acheampong and George. The future is bright.”
How the media rated Josh Acheampong display in Chelsea win against FC Astana
The Express gave Acheampong a 6 out of 10 and wrote: “Youngster showed a good account of himself, with bravery and confidence on the ball.”
Meanwhile, the Evening Standard awarded him a 7 and wrote: “Finally handed a first Chelsea start, after almost three months in the cold over contract standoff. Looked comfortable.”
Likewise, football.london went with a 7, saying: “His first senior start for Chelsea. Lovely pass to Pedro Neto for Chelsea’s first chance of the game. Just an overall great display from the 18-year-old.”
Chelsea are next in action on Sunday night as they host Brentford in a 7pm Premier League kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
