Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong has opened up on life on his first pre-season tour and revealed the players who have helped him settle in.
The teenager made his first team debut under Mauricio Pochettino last season and was named as part of the travelling party for Chelsea’s tour of America.
Acheampong played 45 minutes against Wrexham but didn’t feature in the defeat to Celtic, and he will be hoping he’s handed another opportunity against Club America.
Acheampong opens up on life on tour
The 18-year-old, who has been at Chelsea since he was a young boy is regarded as one of the most talented youngsters at the club, and being part of the first team squad for a pre-season tour is no doubt a proud moment.
Acheampong made his first team debut against rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge last season when he came on for the final ten minutes and he will be hoping for many more appearances in the years to come.
He signed his first professional contract with the Blues in January and has already featured for the under-21 side as well as representing England at under-17 level.
Acheampong took time out to reflect on the tour so far, and revealed which first team players have helped him settle into the squad.
“Noni [Madueke] and Carney [Chukwuemeka], and also Malo [Gusto] and Axel [Disasi] and Benoit [Badiashile], have really helped me settle into the first-team environment,” he told Chelsea’s website.
“It’s also been great having Tyrique here. Not only are we friends when we are here, away from Chelsea when we were younger we used to train together, sometimes in a group, sometimes just us two.
“It’s good to have a friend who has been on the journey with you. We can talk about things and reminisce.”
It would appear unlikely that Acheampong will be part of the first team squad for the upcoming season and the most likely outcome is either a loan, or remaining with under-21 side and training with the first team on occasions, with a view to possibly featuring in some cup games.
