Josh Acheampong

Key strength: Pace and recovery

Overlapping full-back

In the heart of Chelsea's defensive rebuild under their current project, 19-year-old Josh Acheampong is quietly emerging as a revelation. The Blues, sitting in 5th position, have been searching for defensive stability, and Acheampong - standing at an imposing 1.90m - provides exactly that blend of aerial dominance and composure on the ball. Signed in December 2024 with a contract running through 2029, the dual-national (England/Ghana) has already racked up 19 appearances and nearly 1,000 minutes - an impressive tally for a teenager thrust into one of football's most demanding environments. His 1 goal contribution and clean disciplinary record (zero cards) speak to his maturity beyond his years. With a market value already soaring to €20 million and competing alongside experienced defenders like Marc Cucurella and Reece James, Acheampong represents Chelsea's blueprint for the future: young, technically gifted, and built for the modern game. As the season progresses, this towering centre-back is proving he belongs at the top level.