Following a rough start to the season for Chelsea, Enzo Maresca has been on the receiving end of quite a bit of criticism. One of the complaints that many fans have had is that he is not giving chances to players who deserve it, despite the fact that many of the current starters are struggling to impress. But now, it looks like one player might be about to get his big chance under the Italian manager.
Chelsea's biggest weakness this season has been their defence. At no point have they looked completely convincing. Even against West Ham United, there was a hint of luck with VAR before the Blues went on their goalscoring run.
As a result, many fans have called for a change in the centre-back position. Josh Acheampong is someone they want to see more of. The Cobham graduate started in the opening game against Crystal Palace and kept a clean sheet, but has not been handed a single minute of action since then.
Acheampong is almost certain to start against Brighton & Hove Albion. That is after it has been confirmed that both Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo are out injured. And they are likely to miss the next few games, meaning the Englishman could be set for a run in the starting XI. He has to make it count.
Enzo Maresca finally says something every Chelsea fan will love
Maresca does not believe that Acheampong's chance is coming as a result of others being injured though and has claimed that he has always trusted him. The Italian manager said:
"Last year, when he played games in a row in the Premier League, every central defender was available. When we played Josh away to Palace and at home to Bournemouth, the reason wasn't because we didn't have central defenders. I think Tosin was available [for both games].
'We trust Josh not because of an injury situation. Nothing has changed with Josh, we trust him 100 per cent. He was ill earlier this week and had his first session back yesterday with us."
Well, Acheampong surely would have liked a few more chances this season. But better late than never. It is now up to the youngster to prove that he is ready for the top level.
At the same time though, it is also important to be rooted in reality. Many believe that Acheampong has the potential to be world-class. Perhaps he does. But right now, he is nowhere near that level and will need time to develop. So, even if he has a shaky few performances, fans cannot immediately start writing him off as someone who is not going to make it.