Ashanti Akpan Misses Out on Chelsea’s Squad for Barcelona Clash

Despite participating in the final training session, Ashanti Akpan, a midfielder eligible to play for the Super Falcons, was not included in Chelsea’s squad travelling to Spain for their UEFA Women’s Champions League semi final first leg against Barcelona at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

The England U19 international, who was born to a Polish mother and Nigerian father, has been left out of the travelling squad by Chelsea Women boss Emma Hayes. The selected squad features twenty players, including three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and five forwards. Among the midfielders, Hayes has chosen Sophie Ingle, Sjoeke Nusken, Melanie Leupolz, Guro Reiten, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, and Erin Cuthbert, leaving out academy product Akpan.

Akpan, who joined Chelsea at age seven in 2013 and rose through the youth ranks, made her senior debut last year and recently signed her first professional contract, which keeps her at the club until at least the summer of 2025 with an option to extend. Despite her achievements, including her provisional cap for England in October 2023, she has not been called up for a Champions League match since being a non playing substitute against Real Madrid in November 2022.

Editorial

Ashanti Akpan’s omission from Chelsea’s UEFA Women’s Champions League squad against Barcelona highlights the tough decisions coaches must make, balancing team strategy and player development. Emma Hayes, known for her tactical acumen, faces the challenge of selecting a squad capable of competing at Europe’s highest level, which sometimes means leaving out talented players like Akpan.

This decision, while tough on Akpan, reflects the depth and competition within a top tier club like Chelsea, where every spot in the squad is earned through consistent performance and strategic fit. For young players like Akpan, these moments, though disappointing, are part of the journey in professional sports. They serve as motivation to continue developing and to seize every opportunity to prove their value to the team.

As Chelsea aims for success in Barcelona, the team’s composition choosing experience over potential in crucial matches will be crucial. This scenario underscores the broader dynamics of professional football, where player management and matchday strategies are as pivotal as the action on the pitch.

Did You Know?

1. The UEFA Women’s Champions League is one of the most prestigious competitions in women’s football, showcasing top clubs from across Europe.
2. Chelsea Women have been consistent performers on the European stage, reaching the semi finals multiple times in recent years.
3. Young players often face intense competition for places in top clubs, especially in squads with deep talent pools like Chelsea.
4. Ashanti Akpan’s early career development at Chelsea is an example of the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent through its academy system.
5. The transition from youth academy to first team regular is a significant step in a player’s career, often requiring patience and resilience.