Lee Carsley sends clear message to Josh Acheampong after latest comments | OneFootball

England under-21 boss Lee Carsley has praised Josh Acheampong, but warned he’s got to keep playing and gaining experience with his club.

Acheampong is a product of Chelsea’s famed Cobham academy, and was promoted to the first team squad last season.

The 19-year-old has impressed this season, and Acheampong scored his first Chelsea goal in the 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.

Lee Carsley praises Josh Acheampong

Acheampong has been one of Chelsea’s better performers at the back this season, with the Blues struggling to find consistency at centre half.

However, despite his good form Acheampong hasn’t played for Chelsea since the 4-3 win against Wolves in the Carabao.

In the three games since then in all competitions the teenager has been an unused substitute, which has surprised fans.

Acheampong scored his first Chelsea goal this season. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

However, Acheampong was in action for England under-21s over the international break, with fellow Chelsea stars Tyrique George and Jamie Gittens.

Acheampong played 90 minutes in both games, and Carsley was full of praise for the defender, but warned he needs to be playing regularly for his club.

“Josh is a player we rate highly and he’s doing well at Chelsea,” he told England’s in house media.

“He’s got a lot of potential and he just needs to keep playing and getting the experiences he’s getting with club and country.”

Acheampong was linked with Borussia Dortmund in the summer, whilst he’s also recently been linked with a move to Serie A.

Enzo Maresca settled on first choice pairing

Enzo Maresca has made a number of changes to Chelsea’s centre back pairing this season, which has caused in stability in a key area of the pitch.

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However, the Blues recorded shut outs against Tottenham and Wolves, their first back to back clean sheets since May.

Maresca fielded Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana in both games, and it appears that could be his preferred pairing, although with the games coming thick and fast it’s likely he’ll make more changes.