Maresca hails Chelsea youngster Acheampong as his team’s ‘best player’ against Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says youngster Josh Acheampong was his team’s best player in their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

The young defender made his first Premier League start for the Blues as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late equaliser cancelled out Cole Palmer’s early opener.

And Maresca was very pleased with what he saw from the 18-year-old.

“All the players, for me, were good today but if I had to decide for one, I think for sure, Josh was our best player because of his age, it was his first game,” he said.

“Josh, for me, can be a top player for this club but he needs the right path, the right moment; for young players, you need to decide which moment.

“We decided today because we think he showed that he was ready. Today, I think he showed how good he is. Because of his age, he needs to slow down, work hard and take his next chance.”

Maresca did not rule out signing another central defender this month despite Acheampong’s impressive debut, however.

“We already knew Josh was good enough. Probably with Wes [Fofana] and Benoit [Badiashile] injuries, we will see if something is going to happen.”