Josh Acheampong against Liverpool. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

'Since day one I really liked' – Enzo Maresca on player he hopes 'feels trusted'

Originally posted on Chelsea News | By Simon Phillips | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 3:30 AM ET

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking about a player he’s really liked since day one and one he hopes feels trusted.

Chelsea have a big squad and a lot of players. So chances to play for some might come few and far between at times. But also, they have been suffering with injuries and fatigue in recent months so a lot of these players have been getting more chances to play.

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One of those is highly rated academy graduate Josh Acheampong. The young defender has been enjoying more game time lately in the absence of other defenders who have been out injured or fatigued and in need of a rest.

To be honest, many Chelsea fans see Josh as out best current available centre back and believe he should be starting games right now anyway.

But Maresca says he does rate the youngster and has been enjoying his progression since he arrived at the club.

Maresca on Acheampong

The head coach reiterated the faith he has in teenager Acheampong in words cited on the Chelsea Website this week.

He said:

‘We are happy with the way he’s improving and the way he is working every day, but I have been since I arrived, to be honest.

‘If you look back, in the last season, in pre-season in the USA, he played 45 minutes of the first game. So since day one I really liked Josh.

‘So I hope he feels trusted and part of the group, more than what we are showing to him. It’s difficult to play in the Champions League and to play from the start in the Premier League, so we show him trust and confidence.’

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

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