Frank Leboeuf names “outstanding” Chelsea duo he was “very surprised” by in Liverpool win | OneFootball

Former Blue Frank Leboeuf has admitted he was surprised at how good Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile were against Liverpool.

Chelsea recorded their first league win since August with a 2-1 victory against Liverpool thanks to a last minute goal from Estevao.

Moises Caicedo gave the Blues the lead with an unbelievable strike into the top corner, before Cody Gakpo equalised in the second half, but Estevao’s goal was enough to move Chelsea into the top six.

Frank Leboeuf praises Badiashile and Acheampong

A lot of the talk going into the game centred around Chelsea’s problems at centre back, with Enzo Maresca without Trevoh Chalobah, Toisn Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana, as well as long term absentee Levi Colwill.

Maresca went with Badiashile and Acheampong, and the duo defended really well and kept Liverpool’s attack quiet.

Badiashile put in an impressive performance against Liverpool. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The Blues limited Liverpool to very few chances, but Chelsea were handed a major blow with both Badiashile and Acheampong forced off through injury.

Willy Caballero confirmed after the game both Badiashile and Acheampong were ok, which is a huge relief for Chelsea.

Jason Cundy was full of praise for Acheampong’s performance, and Leboeuf admitted he was surprised by Chelsea’s defence.

“I was very surprised by Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong,” he told ESPN as quoted on X.com.

“Very strong, organised, talking and covering for each other. They were absolutely outstanding.”

International break comes at a good time for Chelsea

Whilst the Blues would like to continue their momentum, the international break has come at a good time in regard to injuries.

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It will give players time to rest and recover, and Chelsea should have a number of players back and refreshed to take on Nottingham Forest.

The Blues have also been handed a boost with Caicedo not called up by Ecuador, meaning he will get a much needed rest.