John Obi Mikel claims Chelsea player who 'needs to get in the gym' has so much potential
The Chelsea academy has produced so many exceptional young talents over the years. John Obi Mikel thinks the Blues may have another one with Josh Acheampong.
Josh Acheampong, 19, broke into the Chelsea first team during last season, becoming a regular in Enzo Maresca’s squad.
The English teenager can operate as a centre-half or right-back in the defence, but he’s been covering in a central position so far this campaign.
On Saturday, he stepped into the Blues starting line-up and impressed in the 2-1 Premier League victory at home to Liverpool. Afterwards, Alan Shearer raved about Chelsea youngster Acheampong following his performance against Liverpool, where he looked the part in the heart of defence alongside Benoit Badiashile.
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John Obi Mikel excited by Josh Acheampong’s potential
John Obi Mikel has become the latest to tip Chelsea talent Acheampong for a very bright future. His advice to the Blues academy graduate is to bulk up in the gym, but he thinks he’s got all the qualities to be fantastic moving forward.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel said: “Acheampong, young, talented player. He was fantastic [against Liverpool]. Strong, quick, good on the ball, likes to play out from the back…
“Acheampong, every time I see the kid play, so much potential for such a young player. He has so many years ahead of him. He’s just going to improve and get stronger, physically as well. He needs to get stronger. He needs to get in the gym. If he does that, he’s going to be a brilliant player. Very good on the ball. Quick. He had Isak in his pocket. I think a couple of times when he went into duels, he won those challenges.”
Acheampong, who’s played just four times this season across all competitions, rarely looks flustered when he steps on the football pitch.
Even with Levi Colwill sidelined because of an ACL injury, the competition for places in Chelsea’s defence is still very high. It will be intriguing to see Maresca’s preferred pairing at centre-back when everyone is available, though.
Thankfully, Acheampong doesn’t have an injury concern despite coming off early against Liverpool.
Chelsea teammates hail Josh Acheampong’s display vs Liverpool
After Chelsea’s win against Liverpool, Acheampong uploaded a post on Instagram. He received praise in the comment section from teammates Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia.
It would be a brave decision from Chelsea boss Maresca to leave Acheampong out the next time they play, which is on 18 August away to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
from Chelsea FC Latest News & Club Updates | The Chelsea Chronicle https://ift.tt/zDNCqXn
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