(Video): Enzo Maresca’s dream defender shows once again why he should be first backup | OneFootball

Chelsea fans always want to see more of their academy produced players, and this Club World Cup has been a little bit disappointing on that front so far.

The amount of money on the line, plus FIFA’s insistence that everyone plays their strongest team at all time, has made it a little tricky for Enzo Maresca to mix youngsters in. But finally last night we got a chance to see Josh Acheampong get a start, building on his impressive second half of last season.

Youth talent Acheampong shines again

Josh Acheampong gets instructions from Enzo Maresca.

The full back played on the right and was really solid both in attack and defence. He had the chance to burst forward quite a lot in this game and took advantage, winning free kicks and even getting a couple of shots away. The way he glides forward while keeping the ball at his feet is really exceptional for a defender – especially one as tall as him.

His speed and strength made it an easy night for him defensively – no Tunis attackers were able to get close. He’s a dream right back – centre back hybrid, and should be a perfect player for Maresca’s preferred system.

You can see his highlights in the clip embedded here:

Acheampong deserves to climb right back rankings

This should really be the trigger for more games, both in this tournament and beyond. Malo Gusto has been so poor in so many games in the last 12 months, we really don’t understand why Maresca continues to favour him over Acheampong.

Yes the Frenchman has more experience, but if that experience doesn’t lead to better performances, it’s meaningless. We hope to see Josh more in the rest of this tournament, and winning the backup right back role in the first team before too long.