Chelsea’s Youngsters Shine in 3-1 Win Over Astana in UEFA Conference League
Chelsea extended their unbeaten run in the UEFA Europa Conference League with a 3-1 victory over Astana on Thursday. Enzo Maresca’s decision to field a youthful lineup paid off, as several young players seized their opportunities to impress on the European stage.
Key Performances by Chelsea’s Rising Stars
Josh Acheampong: Defensive Dominance
Josh Acheampong, the 18-year-old Cobham graduate, delivered a standout performance in defense. His composure, athleticism, and ball-playing ability made him one of the game’s top performers, earning praise from fans and pundits alike.
Acheampong contributed significantly on both ends of the pitch, showcasing his potential as a reliable option for Chelsea’s senior squad in the absence of Reece James.
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Samuel Rak-Sakyi: Midfield Maestro
Another player who caught the eye was 19-year-old Samuel Rak-Sakyi, who made his full debut for Chelsea. Partnering with Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka in midfield, Rak-Sakyi displayed maturity beyond his years. His ability to control the tempo and make smart decisions on the ball was instrumental in Chelsea’s dominant display.
Rak-Sakyi’s Match Stats vs. Astana
| Stat | Rak-Sakyi |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 89 |
| Touches | 100 |
| Accurate Passes | 87/88 (99%) |
| Key Passes | 1 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 1/1 |
| Tackles | 2 |
Rak-Sakyi’s confidence was evident, as he took 100 touches and maintained an impressive 99% pass accuracy, misplacing only one pass throughout the game. His calmness in possession and technical quality align well with Maresca’s possession-heavy system.
Sam Rak-Sakyi vs Astana 💫
— Nathan (@CFC_Nathan_) December 12, 2024
First Chelsea Start
pic.twitter.com/dW8Wrv2Cu6
BBC Sport’s Lucy Ward praised Rak-Sakyi, noting:
“Samuel Rak-Sakyi just deals with the ball really well. Everything he does is really simple, and that’s exactly what you need from that position.”
This performance not only showcased Rak-Sakyi’s abilities but also hinted at his potential to be a valuable asset for Chelsea in the future.
Also, read: 101 touches, 100% dribbles, 94% passing: Chelsea gem deserves the limelight over Guiu – opinion
Chelsea’s Flawless European Run
Chelsea’s victory leaves them at the top of their UEFA Conference League group, with 15 points from five matches. The team has scored 21 goals and conceded just four, boasting a goal difference of +17. With performances like these from their younger players, Enzo Maresca will be encouraged by the depth and future potential within his squad.
As Rak-Sakyi and other young talents continue to develop, they could play significant roles in Chelsea’s domestic and European campaigns, providing the club with a blend of youthful energy and technical skill.
Chelsea’s Youngsters Shine in 3-1 Win Over Astana in UEFA Conference League
