Teenager Acheampong steps up amid Chelsea’s defensive crisis | OneFootball

Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong wrote his name into the club’s history books on Saturday, becoming the second-youngest player to start for the Blues in the opening game of a Premier League season at just 19 years and 104 days old.

The only man to do it younger was Glen Johnson, who was 18 years and 359 days when he lined up for Chelsea on the first day of the 2003/04 campaign in a 2-1 win at Anfield.

Ahead of kick-off against Crystal Palace, much of the talk surrounded Chelsea’s injury problems at the back. With four centre-backs ruled out, Trevoh Chalobah was the only senior option available, meaning Acheampong was handed just his third Premier League start and sixth senior outing in total.

The youngster took a little time to settle, with an early misplaced pass leading to the free kick from which Palace thought they had scored - only for Eberechi Eze’s effort to be chalked off. From then on, though, Acheampong grew into the game, showing real composure and maturity. Up against Jean-Philippe Mateta, a far more experienced and physically imposing opponent, Acheampong held his ground well.

The performance was what really caught the eye. For Chelsea, it was another encouraging glimpse of a defender who looks ready to make his mark. And while the stat is just a fun fact for supporters, what truly matters is that it showed both promise and composure - another milestone in what looks set to be a very bright career.