Maresca Names Two Chelsea Stars as 'Very Important' Pillars for Club's Championship Ambitions

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca offered high praise for young duo Estêvão Willian and Josh Acheampong after Sunday's Premier League season opener versus Crystal Palace.

Supporters have been eagerly anticipating Estêvão's first official appearance for Chelsea, after his transfer was confirmed in June 2024 and following a strong pre-season showing.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder received just over thirty minutes of action in the goalless stalemate against Palace. Though he couldn't produce a match-changing moment, there were clear signs he'll develop into a crucial player.

"Estêvão performed excellently," Maresca commented.

"He displayed character and continues to demonstrate this during our practice sessions. Without question, he will gradually develop into a vital player for this football club."

Acheampong represents a different story, having come through the youth system in 2024. However, the 19-year-old was thrust into action this weekend due to limited defensive options—Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo were all unavailable, while Wesley Fofana could only manage a substitute role.

"Josh performed admirably," Maresca stated.

"We demonstrated our trust in Josh last season when he featured in several matches for us. He excelled [versus Palace], handled [Jean-Philippe] Mateta effectively, so he delivered a solid performance overall."

Acheampong was prepared for the physical challenge posed by the Crystal Palace forward.

"[Maresca] simply instructed me to express myself, stay robust, maintain physicality," the defender revealed to media. "Mateta's powerful, so I needed to be prepared and ready for that challenge. I certainly anticipated it, being ready for numerous individual duels, but it went well."

Chelsea's formation frequently shifted to a three-man defense during the match, with Marc Cucurella advancing into the midfield area. While Acheampong hasn't extensively experienced this system, he expressed his satisfaction with it.

"I believe it's an excellent position honestly," he shared. "It's much more calm and comfortable, but I'm adapting to it. It's fresh. It's different, but with more playing time, I'm improving in that role. It benefits [me that] the youth team approach emphasizes forward play, breaking defensive lines. So, I attempt to bring that mentality into senior football too."