Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was full of praise for 18-year-old defender Josh Acheampong after the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, naming him the best player on the pitch.

“All the players, for me, were good today, but if I had to decide for one, Josh was the best player,” Maresca said in his post-match press conference.

Acheampong made his first Premier League start for Chelsea, stepping into the centre-back role, a position he is familiar with but had not previously played for the senior team. The teenager impressed with his composure and defensive awareness throughout the match.

“He can be a top player for this club. We decided today because we saw he was ready. Today he showed how good he is,” Maresca added.

Acheampong’s performance provides a glimmer of hope for Chelsea, who remain winless in their last four league games.