Chelsea’s latest talent names star who helped him against Crystal Palace and shares what he told him to do | OneFootball

Josh Acheampong has been speaking about his first Premier League start and revealed which Chelsea player helped him through it.

The Blues were held to a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, meaning it’s now four games without a win in the league.

Enzo Maresca’s men still sit fourth and on course to qualify for the Champions League, but the buffer they had to fifth is all but gone with Newcastle now one point behind.

Acheampong on his first Premier League start

Maresca made changes from the Ipswich game and handed Acheampong his first Premier League start at centre back, rather than his preferred position of right back.

It was a big show of faith from the 44-year-old in the teenager and a blow to the more established Tosin Adarabioyo.

Acheampong was faultless alongside fellow academy graduate Levi Colwill and looked comfortable at Premier League level.

Acheampong and Colwill are both products of Chelsea’s academy. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Maresca said the teenager was Chelsea’s best player, and it’s quite the turnaround for the 18-year-old given he was frozen out back in October, but he signed new contract in December committing his future to the club.

Acheampong was delighted with his first Premier League start and after the game he revealed how Colwill helped him through the game.

“It felt like a big step up physically,” he told Chelsea’s website.

“But you get used to it training with my teammates. Levi [Colwill] helped me during, before, and after the game, even telling me to clap the fans. It’s great to have him around.

“I always try to work for more and more, and hopefully there are more opportunities to come.”

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On the evidence of that performance there will certainly be more opportunities for Acheampong and he will likely feature again on Saturday against Morecambe in the FA Cup.

It will be interesting to see if he keeps his place in the team for the Premier League game against Bournemouth on January 14th, but he’s certainly done his chances no harm and looks set for a great career at Stamford Bridge.