Chelsea youngsters praised after stalemate

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca praises two young players after a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.

Maresca backs Chelsea youngsters after stalemate with Palace

Chelsea were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, a result that felt predictable more than dramatic. Eberechi Eze saw a goal ruled out controversially by the referee, and Chelsea’s performance suggested both the gaps and the potential of a squad in transition. Josh Acheampong started at centre-back after Levi Colwill’s injury, while 18-year-old Estevao came on from the bench for his Premier League debut. Chelsea had little pre-season due to Club World Cup commitments, but Maresca insisted that the outcome did not hinge on preparation time and that the team fought to the end.

Maresca was quick to singles out Acheampong and Estevao for praise. “Josh was very good,” he said, noting the academy graduate’s composure against a persistent Palace attack. He added that Chelsea had shown confidence in Acheampong last season and that today he handled the match well. On Estevao, Maresca said the youngster “was very good” and showed “personality,” predicting a growing role for the teen as he settles in at the club. The coach also said the team’s lack of pre-season did not excuse the result and that the plan remains to build gradually, with the next test coming soon against West Ham. Chelsea are also linked with a new centre-back and with Xavi Simons, signaling a willingness to bolster the squad even as youth players push for more minutes.

The game underlines Chelsea’s current project: a mix of academy talent and mid-career signings in a club still defining its identity after heavy turnover. Maresca’s emphasis on Acheampong and Estevao signals a longer-term strategy of cultivation rather than immediate reliance on established stars. The challenge is stark: a thin squad, a demanding calendar, and the pressure to translate potential into results quickly. By praising youth now, Maresca risks creating expectations that outpace a realistic timeline, but it also maps a clear path for the club’s development model. The transfer chatter around a centre-back and a high-profile midfielder hints at a cautious but serious attempt to balance growth with competitiveness. Chelsea’s next test at West Ham will be a barometer of whether this plan can deliver points while the youngsters gain vital first-team experience.

Highlights

Chelsea’s season will be watched closely as youth and new signings try to cohere into a consistent game plan.