Josh Acheampong is taking big strides forward. After making his full debut in last week’s 3-1 win against Astana, the defender has now committed his future to Chelsea by agreeing a deal until 2029.

Reflecting on his decade-long path to this point, the 18-year-old explained to us why the bumps along the way have proven beneficial in shaping the young man and the player he is.

‘It’s been an up-and-down journey,’ said Acheampong. ‘Football is not always plain sailing.

‘The downs have helped me get to this point, and at the moment I’m on a high so it’s really good. It means a lot to sign a new contract, especially because I’ve been here so long.

‘To continue the journey is a really proud moment for me and my family. The whole time my family are saying how excited they are for me, and I’m happy I can share it with them.’

Acheampong has regularly trained with the first team in 2024, and earlier this week was welcomed into the senior dressing room on a permanent basis, alongside his good friend Tyrique George.

He has noticed his development has accelerated as a result of working with such a talented squad, and under the guidance of Enzo Maresca.

‘Sometimes it can be hard coming from the Academy to the first team, but everyone is so nice. It’s been really good. It’s all about togetherness. If you have that off the pitch, it will translate on the pitch.

‘All the Chelsea players are at such a high level and are doing so well. I can see the talent and how good we are. It’s really exciting when I’m over to train here, and that has given me a lot of confidence, and helped me physically and also mentally as well.

‘With Enzo, the small details are really important,’ Acheampong adds. ‘He’s nice so I can ask him questions one-to-one and he gives me a lot of advice.

‘He gives me a lot of confidence. If the manager is backing you, it’s up to you to show him why, and what you can do on the pitch.’

The defender, who debuted as a substitute in the win over Tottenham back in May, chooses John Terry as his Chelsea hero.

It is players such as Terry that Acheampong dreams of emulating. He may be young, but he is not afraid of aiming high as he sets out what he wants to achieve at Stamford Bridge.

It is players such as Terry that Acheampong dreams of emulating. He may be young, but he is not afraid of aiming high as he sets out what he wants to achieve at Stamford Bridge.

‘My goal is to be known as a club legend, so just hard work every day, and doing whatever I can to make it.'