"I'm in love with him": Enzo Maresca heaps praise on Chelsea youngster after "fantastic" Europa Conference League performance

Enzo Maresca. (Deposit Photos)

Enzo Maresca was full of praise for one of Chelsea's academy products following his standout performance in the Blues’ 3-0 win over Legia Warsaw in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final on Thursday night.

Chelsea cruised past the Polish side thanks to a goal from 19-year-old Tyrique George—his first in senior football—and a brace from substitute Noni Madueke, putting them firmly in control of the tie.

However, while Maresca was pleased for George, it was instead Josh Acheampong who really caught his eye.

Acheampong started at right-back and impressed at both ends of the pitch, creating two chances while also making two block, two interceptions, and two recoveries.

"The one I fall in love with tonight is Josh Acheampong," Maresca said after the game, according to Football London. "He can be a fantastic player for this club."

Maresca went on to praise the 18-year-old’s versatility. Although he played right-back against Warsaw, Acheampong has also featured at left-back and centre-back across his nine senior appearances this season.

“Since we started, I’m in love with him, but tonight he showed he can be a very good player for this club,” Maresca added. “He can be good in different positions. The best thing for Josh is that he's open—he wants to learn. ‘Full-back? No problem, what do I have to do?’”

Elsewhere in his post-match press conference, Maresca addressed the form of Christopher Nkunku, who once again failed to get on the scoresheet and now has just one goal in all competitions since the turn of the year.

“A lack of confidence in this moment,” he admitted. “But the only way to deal with that is to work hard. The good thing about Christo is that he's working well every day.”

Chelsea welcome Warsaw to Stamford Bridge for the return leg on Thursday, April 17.