Chelsea told they have Rio Ferdinand 2.0 in remarkable 19-year-old breakout star

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Chelsea have one of the most promising young squads in the Premier League, and one player in particular has been given high praise for his performances so far this season.

Enzo Maresca has brought together a group of players showcasing great potential. While Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo are already developed, others are still progressing.

The lack of experience within the Chelsea squad is one reason the Blues have been so inconsistent, but the group is growing together.

Chelsea’s main weakness has been the defensive side of their game, but one young player has now been compared to Rio Ferdinand, showcasing their high potential.

Jason Cundy believes that Josh Acheampong could be the next Rio Ferdinand

Josh Acheampong is one of Chelsea’s academy prospects who has been given opportunities this season, and the 19-year-old has been making the most of them so far.

Jason Cundy has been particularly impressed by what he’s seen from the central defender, comparing him to a young Ferdinand on talkSPORT.

“He has got many strings to his bow. But the thing that really impressed me when he really first came into the first team was in the Conference League, we played away, and he used to stride and gallop.

“It wasn’t a sprint because he’s got such long legs; he would carry the ball.

“It reminded me, and this is high praise, I don’t want to put too much pressure on, but a young Rio Ferdinand when I used to see him at West Ham when he first got into the first team.

“He would carry the ball, open up, and he would just travel, head up, and then pick the right pass. He has got so much ability, and I’m a little disappointed, if I’m honest, that I haven’t seen more of him.”

Acheampong put together an impressive display against Liverpool, where Maresca trusted the teenager to start against the defending Premier League champions.

He played a significant role in Chelsea defeating Liverpool 2-1, proving that he’s more than ready for bigger opportunities at Stamford Bridge.

Josh Acheampong might fill in Chelsea’s injury gap

Cundy could end up seeing a lot more of Acheampong throughout this season due to the injury problems that Chelsea have been dealing with.

The Blues ended up with a makeshift defence against Liverpool, featuring Reece James at centre half due to Maresca’s lack of options.

With Levi Colwill ruled out for the season due to an ACL issue, Tosin Adarabioyo dealing with a calf problem, and Wesley Fofana having been unavailable due to a concussion, Acheampong will have further opportunities to thrive and develop.

During the pre-Brighton press conference, Maresca made it clear that he backs the teenager to perform for them this season, and not just because of injuries.

“We trust Josh not because of an injury situation. Nothing has changed with Josh, we trust him 100 per cent.”