Enzo Maresca has new Chelsea undroppable after Liverpool £125m decision

Enzo Maresca arrives ahead of Chelsea's win against Liverpool (Image: Michael Steele)

Coming up against Alexander Isak , the Premier League's most expensive footballer at £125million, as a 19-year-old would be a really daunting prospect for many. But not for Josh Acheampong .

Making just his third Premier League appearance of the season, and just his second start in all competitions, a big challenge awaited Acheampong. Isak is still working on his fitness after he joined Liverpool from Newcastle United without having any sort of pre-season on Tyneside.

Either way, though, the Sweden international is one of the Premier League's most lethal attacking players and he has caused problems for the division's best centre-backs on his day. Acheampong, at times, dominated Isak in what was undoubtedly the teenager's strongest performance for the senior team to date.

Composed in possession and comfortable taking the ball anywhere on the pitch, the Cobham graduate produced a stunning display at Stamford Bridge.

There was one moment in the first-half where Isak got on the ball around the halfway line but Acheampong was on the Liverpool striker like a rash and robbed him of possession. Leaving Isak on the floor, Acheampong then went marching forward with the ball at his feet and almost created an opportunity for the Blues.

That was one of a few powerful runs Acheampong went on during the thrilling match in west London and that summed up his performance. He unfortunately limped off in the second-half but Willy Caballero , who conducted the post-match press conference due to Enzo Maresca 's late red card, said it was precautionary taking the defender off .

Acheampong is due to represent England Under-21s for their upcoming matches against Moldova and Andorra after being named in the 21-man squad last week. There has been no indication at the time of writing that Acheampong will withdraw from the squad after suffering a problem on Saturday.

Maresca is a huge admirer of Acheampong, so much so that the Chelsea head coach said he was "in love" with the defender last season . However, when everyone is fit and available, Acheampong is often overlooked. There may be a sense of trying to protect such a young footballer, but he has shown he is ready whenever he has been called upon in the first team.

After the international break, Chelsea are hopeful Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana will return to action, while Trevoh Chalobah will be available again after he served his one-match suspension against Liverpool. Acheampong may well have to bide his time yet again when the three more senior defenders return, but a lot of supporters would love to see the youngster have a run in the side now.

If he can dominate a player like Isak in the way that he did, then there really is no ceiling for this exciting teenage talent.