Despite Chelsea’s constant turnover in the transfer market, the Blues still manage to promote from the academy regularly, and Eric Dier is excited by one Cobham graduate.

Reece James is the ultimate example, while Jesse Derry made his debut last season. Even this term, Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli have made their debuts, while Tayo Subuloye has been on the bench.

“I really like the centre-back at Chelsea, the young boy, Acheampong. I’m a big fan of his. Athletically, he looks really good. I think he started playing with Maresca and he always looked very composed,” he said.

Acheampong is leading the way in one crucial stat for Chelsea

Ever since making his debut for Chelsea, Acheampong has been in and out of the side and never really got a run in the starting XI until Alonso. Enzo Maresca said he loved him, but didn’t start him regularly.

But Acheampong was always going to suit Alonso’s high line, which requires speed to get back into position. The England U21 defender has clocked up Chelsea’s third-fastest sprint, running 34.6km/h.

Only Pedro Neto and Jorrel Hato have provided quicker sprints. But it is Acheampong’s tackling that is excellent, averaging 3.3 tackles every 90 minutes. It’s Chelsea’s best offering, with Romeo Lavia second.

Chelsea are a better team with Acheampong in the side at the moment. Whether that says more about Fofana and Colwill is another story, but the young Englishman is finally getting his well-deserved flowers.