Enzo Maresca has 'special' player who is becoming Chelsea's new John Terry - it's not Trevoh Chalobah
John Terry is seen as one of the greatest players in Chelsea’s club history
Chelsea have begun the new Premier League season in solid fashion and despite reoccurring concerns surrounding discipline and fitness issues, the Blues are heading into the winter period of the season with high aspirations as they continue to challenge on several fronts.
While attacking stars such as Estevao have impressed and Moises Caicedo has reached a new level in the centre of midfield, question remarks remain over Chelsea defensively amidst a series of injury issues. But one player has begun to step up to the fore and could be set to become Stamford Bridge’s next John Terry before our very eyes.
That is, of course, extremely high praise for any young Chelsea player - as Terry is one of the club’s all-time greats and won countless honours, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League, as captain of the club. But one man is showing the potential to take over Terry’s mantle, and it is not Trevoh Chalobah.
Josh Acheampong is becoming Chelsea’s new John Terry
Terry is a Chelsea icon in every sense of the word - he represented what it meant to play for the Blues, lived for the badge and spent 22 years at the club, making 717 appearances and scoring an impressive 67 goals. Whether or not the 44-year-old is considered enough when it comes to naming the Premier League’s greatest ever players is a debate to be had, but where there is no doubt is the status that he retains in west London.
The legendary centre-back was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2024 and received a heart-felt message from former manager Jose Mourinho, with whom Terry enjoyed some of the most successful years in his storied career.
"Premier League Hall of Fame, John Terry?" said Mourinho. "Has to be. And now it is. I believe that for your kids, it's something really fantastic.
"I think, for me as one of the guys that had the privilege of working with you for about six seasons. I'm very happy, I'm very proud. You deserve [it], your career was amazing. I'm so, so happy for you and so proud of this achievement."
Terry was a Chelsea icon of the sort which you cannot replace overnight. He was a once-in-a-generation player for the club. But nearly a decade after the former England international departed Stamford Bridge, a young defender is beginning to cause a stir for the Blues. His name is Josh Acheampong, and he could become Chelsea’s new Terry.
‘Special’ Acheampong has begun Blues career in style
Despite still having just 10 Premier League appearances to his name, 19-year-old Acheampong has taken everything in his stride thus far and is giving Chelsea fans hope that he could become a centre-piece for their future at the back. Primarily used as a centre-back, he can also be deployed at right-back when needed.
Elegant and composed on the ball despite his 6ft 3in frame, the teenager has shown maturity at the back when called upon and even scored an important opening goal during the Blues’ victory at Nottingham Forest in October. The Cobham graduate joined Chelsea aged eight and understands the club inside out, already starring for England’s Under-21s and undoubtedly possessing the quality to become a key man for club and country in the future.
Fans have been in awe of Acheampong’s early performances in a Blues shirt, with a stunning display against ES Tunis in the Club World Cup drawing particular praise from fans on social media.
One user said on X: “Maresca needs to put more trust in Acheampong, this kid is special. Every time he plays, he showcases his talent to the fullest. Understands his role in our system too, he should be [Reece] James’ backup.”
Another added: “Josh Acheampong is a freak talent. He’s so good, the type of Cobham graduate who should be getting all the hype which Chalobah does. His ball carrying, how comfortable he is playing with it is insane.”
A third said: “Josh Acheampong is a really talented player. Hope he gets more minutes for Chelsea, looks incredibly mature for his age man.”
The teenager has also drawn praise from head coach Maresca, who reiterated his trust in the young star during a press conference in September.
Maresca 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.”