“What’s going on?” – Chelsea’s potential world class starlet on the moment it all got real | OneFootball

Josh Acheampong was a youngster not many football fans had head of this time a year ago, but now he’s seen as a rising star after a season with Chelsea where he featured regularly in the Conference League and also made his Premier League debut.

He’s had just one start at the Club World Cup so far, but his status in the squad is clear – he’s an important squad player and there are almost no rumours about him being loaned anywhere.

He spoke to the club’s official website about how he felt on the tour and his development so far. His first name check was his captain Reece James.

Acheampong on role model Reece James

Josh Acheampong at Chelsea training camp. (Photo by Chris Lee/Chelsea FC)

“Reece is a role model for me. He’s come through Cobham, plays the same position as me, and is now club captain. He is someone you can go to and he will give you his knowledge; it’s the same with Levi and Trev. They can relate to your situation because they will probably have gone through it too.”

Acheampong also mentioned Malo Gusto, another player ahead of him in the pecking order (contrary to what some fans would like to see).

Acheampong on learning from senior right backs and his Premier League debut

“I’ve watched Reece and Malo a lot in training this season because they’ve been used in a similar role to me. Coming into the midfield, I don’t think it’s something I’ve done since I was with the Under-14s, but I have enjoyed it.

“I try not to overthink things. In my first Premier League game against Crystal Palace, I came out and the camera was right in my face. That was a moment where I was like ‘woah, what’s going on here?’ but I didn’t let it affect me and got on with playing my game.”