Chelsea’s Young Gem: Josh Acheampong Earns Praise from Shearer, Lineker, and Richards After Heroic Display Against Liverpool

Chelsea’s defensive crisis might have looked like a nightmare on paper, but it became the stage for a dream debut performance from Josh Acheampong, as the 19-year-old defender impressed in the Blues’ 2–1 victory over Premier League champions Liverpool over the weekend.

With senior defenders Reece James, Benoît Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo all sidelined due to injury, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca had little choice but to turn to youth — and Acheampong rose to the occasion with maturity far beyond his years.

His composed defending, tactical awareness, and confidence under pressure didn’t just catch the eyes of fans — it drew high praise from some of England’s most respected football figures.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Alan Shearer commended the youngster’s composure, saying:

“He did well, didn’t he? When you consider the injuries Chelsea had, especially in defence, for him to come in and step up like he did… I was impressed with him. He had a good game.”

Gary Lineker echoed similar sentiments, describing Acheampong as “very assured”, noting that for a young player facing a team like Liverpool in a high-stakes game, his calmness was remarkable.

Meanwhile, Micah Richards couldn’t resist a bit of humor, joking that he now holds a “grudge” against Acheampong — all because he picked him in his Fantasy Premier League team! Still, Richards admitted, “I was impressed with Acheampong.”

The young defender, who also made his England U21 debut last month in a 2–0 win over Kazakhstan, seems to be on a fast-rising trajectory both domestically and internationally.

Opinion: A Star Is Quietly Being Born at Stamford Bridge

In a football world obsessed with big-money signings, Josh Acheampong’s rise is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the best solutions are homegrown.

Chelsea’s academy has always been a breeding ground for raw talent — from Mason Mount to Reece James — and Acheampong looks like the next in line to carry that legacy. What’s even more impressive is his composure; there was no sign of stage fright, no hesitation — just a young man playing with passion and purpose.

It’s moments like these that restore faith in the future of English football. If Acheampong keeps his head down and continues to learn, he could soon become not just a temporary fix for Chelsea’s injury crisis, but a permanent fixture in their backline.

For now, Chelsea fans can take comfort in one thing — amid all the uncertainty, a new blue diamond is beginning to shine. 💎💙