Acheampong using senior experience to build team bonds

The Chelsea Under-21 team is gearing up for their first match following the October international break. They will be heading to Bournemouth for their second group-stage game in the Premier League Cup, which is set to start on Monday evening at 7 PM.

Defender Acheampong has been a part of the club since he was in the Under-8 category, advancing through the development program at Cobham.

Having showcased his talent across various age levels, he is now part of the Under-21s team. He has also had the opportunity to gain some experience with the senior men's team, making his debut for Chelsea in a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge during the 2023/24 season.

Acheampong has hit the ground running in the 2024/25 season, making another appearance on the Stamford Bridge field. He joined the match during the senior team’s opening Carabao Cup game, where the Blues clinched a convincing 5-0 win over Barrow, a team from League Two.

"The start of my season has been incredibly exciting," the 18-year-old shared. "I had the opportunity to join the men’s team for pre-season, took part in the match against Barrow, and delivered some strong performances with the Under-21s."

In general, I’d say I’ve made a strong start and have already picked up some incredibly important experience. Having been at Chelsea since I was in the Under-8s, I have a deep sense of attachment to the club, just like anyone would.

"I've really enjoyed moving through the different age groups and every experience has been a joy. It's a great bonus to see my growth and progress along the way. I intend to keep putting in the effort to improve even more."

Acheampong was among the 28 players chosen by Enzo Maresca for the men’s pre-season tour in the USA in July. He traveled alongside his Under-21 teammate, Tyrique George, to gain valuable experience in the first-team setting.

The pre-season tour was incredibly beneficial. It allowed me to compete at a high level against strong opponents, and it also provided a chance to bond with the senior team members on a deeper level. Building new relationships within the team is crucial, if not essential. Those players are the role models I aspire to follow. Receiving their guidance and hearing about their journeys motivates me and drives me to reach their level of success.

Facing Barrow was an amazing opportunity. It boosted my confidence and allowed me to gain valuable playing time, both of which will aid in my growth and development moving forward.

I’m looking forward to what lies ahead and I’m committed to putting in the effort. Playing at a senior level really enhances my skills, which I can then apply when I return to the Under-21s team.

It's a change, but when I return to the Academy, I feel I have so much more to offer. I'm both physically and mentally prepared to take on any game at this point, and I owe that readiness to what I've been through.

Besides his participation with the men's team, Acheampong is also an important part of Chelsea's Under-21 squad, working under head coach Filipe Coelho.

As we prepare for our second Premier League Cup game of the season against Bournemouth on Monday, following a great 6-3 victory over Brentford in our first group-stage match at Kingsmeadow, the Blue player discussed his experiences of playing under the Portuguese coach.

Filipe and Enzo have a lot in common. Their playing styles are alike, and they both have similar objectives and attitudes. This resemblance allows for a smoother transition when switching between the two players, as their approaches to the game are quite similar. Like Filipe, Enzo values teamwork and focuses on fostering relationships among team members, both during matches and in their off-time.

Building strong relationships outside of the game is just as crucial because it fosters friendships. When you feel supported by your teammates, it motivates you to put in extra effort during matches.

The close connection between the men's team and the Under-21 squad is crucial. It's fantastic that Chelsea operates in this manner. The consistent mindset across the entire club really helps everyone get ready for the next level.

Acheampong wrapped up by talking about his personal growth and aspirations for the rest of this hectic season, recognizing the significance of handling his situation throughout the campaign.

As I mentioned earlier, I'm focused on putting in a lot of effort and making strides both in my performance and in my everyday life. This season, my primary objective is to maintain my fitness and, hopefully, avoid injuries so I can continue striving to reach my full potential.

Taking care of your body during this time is crucial because it can be a challenging period. By being mindful and prioritizing recovery, I can maintain my physical fitness, allowing me to further enhance my skills.