Eden Hazard Hails Chelsea Youngster Josh Acheampong After Impressive Display
Stamford Bridge welcomed back a familiar face on Sunday as Chelsea legend Eden Hazard was in attendance for the Blues’ opening game of the 2025/26 Premier League season against Crystal Palace. The match ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw, but Hazard left the stadium speaking about one major positive—19-year-old defender Josh Acheampong.
The academy graduate delivered a composed and commanding performance at the heart of Chelsea’s defence, catching the eye of the former club icon. Hazard was full of praise afterwards, saying:
“19 years of age, still many things to be improved and polished, but he is such a superb defender in the making.”
Acheampong’s numbers backed up Hazard’s assessment. Across the 90 minutes, he completed 81 of 87 passes (93% accuracy), won two tackles and four of five ground duels, while also producing five clearances and four recoveries. Crucially, he did all this without conceding a single foul—an impressive show of maturity for a teenager making one of his first senior appearances.
Chelsea supporters were quick to echo Hazard’s praise on social media, hailing Acheampong as the standout performer in what was otherwise an uninspiring display from Enzo Maresca’s side. Fans noted that his composure and defensive discipline could make him a vital part of the new manager’s system, with many tipping him to become one of the Premier League’s brightest young defenders.
For a club that has long prided itself on its academy, Acheampong’s emergence offers encouragement during a period of transition. Hazard’s words carry significant weight given his legendary status at Stamford Bridge, and his endorsement has only heightened excitement about the youngster’s potential role in the coming months.
Though Chelsea’s attack faltered on the opening day, Acheampong’s assured performance at the back provided a silver lining. If he continues on this trajectory, the 19-year-old could soon become a cornerstone of Maresca’s defence—an academy product ready to embody Chelsea’s future.
