There is no better feeling in football than watching an academy graduate break through, and Josh Acheampong is giving Chelsea fans exactly that right now. 

These players grow up living and breathing the club, and as fans, we get to follow their journey from academy prospects to first-team regulars. That connection makes it all the more special.

He follows in the footsteps of Reece James, John Terry and Levi Colwill, rising through Chelsea’s academy ranks to become a defensive lynchpin in the famous royal blue shirt. He has also worn and impressed in the England shirt, a step-up to the full squad is not far away.

Despite the fact that the clubs are circling and Manchester United reportedly interested, Chelsea should reward him with a long-term contract while his stock is high. That shouldn't be the only reason, though, given his performances have been a defensive highlight so far, showing he is more capable than Tosin Adarabioyo, and those at the club behind him.

Acheampong made his second consecutive Premier League start against Everton, and he was excellent once again. At this point, it is becoming increasingly difficult to justify leaving him out with Xabi Alonso trusting him over Wesley Fofana, and rightly so. 

This doesn't feel like rotation for the sake of it; it feels like a manager rewarding performances and recognising that Acheampong is the better fit for what Chelsea needs right now. The switch to a flat back four has also given him a clearer role at right-back, where his defensive reliability, composure and discipline are becoming impossible to ignore. For a player so young, he is already showing the kind of maturity Chelsea requires.

While Acheampong is making his case on the pitch, Chelsea must ensure they do not drop the ball off it. His contract runs until the summer of 2029, but that is no reason for the club to become complacent. If anything, his recent performances should be accelerating talks, not giving Chelsea an excuse to put them off.

Players with Acheampong’s quality, age and potential rarely stay under the radar for long, and Manchester United’s reported interest should serve as a warning. Chelsea have made a habit of allowing promising situations to become unnecessarily complicated, and they cannot afford to repeat those mistakes with a player who is increasingly looking like a genuine first-team asset.

Acheampong is more than just another exciting academy graduate; he is showing that he can be a long-term solution at right-back. Chelsea need to recognise that, reward his progress and secure his future before outside interest gathers momentum. The last thing the club needs is to watch a talent they have developed themselves become another player they regret not moving quickly enough to keep.

Also, timing matters for another reason. Young players are easiest to convince when they are playing regularly and feel valued. Acheampong looks like part of Chelsea’s future. The club should make sure he stays there.