Enzo Maresca picked the exact XI we would have expected for today’s game against Crystal Palace. There was just one change – but it was a big one.
With injuries knocking out Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana, and their replacements Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi not impressing in recent games, Maresca decided to make the big call to throw in 18 year old Josh Acheampong to make his first Premier League start.
The kid did really well – in fact, after the game Maresca picked him out as his man of the match:
“All the players, for me, were good today but if I had to decide for one, I think for sure, Josh was our best player because of his age, it was his first game. Josh, for me, can be a top player for this club but he needs the right path, the right moment; for young players, you need to decide which moment.
“We decided today because we think he showed that he was ready. Today, I think he showed how good he is. Because of his age, he needs to slow down, work hard and take his next chance.”
Acheampong does all he can to secure long term place in Maresca’s team
We’re delighted Maresca picked Josh, and we’re even more delighted that he was impressed by him. We wrote before the game that a good showing today could secure him a place in the team while the team has so many injuries at the back – and if you take the manager at his word, the youngster will indeed continue in the games to come.
There are still some soft fixtures to come before we play Man City at the end of this month – a perfect chance for Josh to continue developing.
