Age 23 Position 6/8
Current Club Hemel Hempstead (Step 2)
Background
Achuba started his career coming through the youth ranks at Ebbsfleet United, however the then teenager would only make a handful of National League appearances before permanently heading to Meridian FC (Step 6) for the 2020/21 season. An impressive first season of regular men’s football at Step 6 saw Isthmian Premier side Wingate and Finchley pick him up for the start of the 2021/2022 season. During his time in North London Achuba transitioned into more of a holding midfielder and became a consistent performer in an electrifying Wingate side. But it was the 2023/24 season where Achuba really exploded, finishing with 8 goal contributions in 40 games as Wingate finished third. This form attracted the interest Bobby Wilkinson and Hemel Hempstead in 2024 and Achuba has continued to be a regular face and starter under Wilkinson’s beneficiary Lee Allison over the last year – playing a key part in the Hemel squad this season who have been challenging the play off places at Step 2 and also making it to the first-round proper in the FA Cup.
Playstyle
After recently watching Achuba live when Hemel faced Chippenham, the game was one that was extremely physical with the windy condition being a major factor in creating a scrappy game however Achuba seemed to be able to control large parts of the game from midfield. As mentioned previously Achuba did start as a centre back in his early non-league career, but I don’t think his build and technical level and talent suit a out and out defender. He’s too slight and not tall enough to play week in week out in a back 4 – I could see him operating in a back three if covered by physical centre half partner.
Achuba is extremely gifted technically, gives me big Paul Pogba vibes in terms of his flair and his ability to shift and protect possession when under pressure. Within tight and intense games Achuba is able to play the game at his own tempo, breaking down oppositions attack and progressing the ball forward. Achuba is a player who loves a bit of flair and trickery, but he does it at the right times either to relieve pressure or when buying a foul. As good as he is on the ball, Achuba is not afraid to put a foot in and do the less glamorous– when watching him earlier this season he loved to contest and put in a challenge.
Strengths
Press Resistance | Dribbling | Composure | Breaking up Play
Where should he go next
Think Achuba is in the perfect place at the moment, playing regular minutes in a very progressive and exciting Hemel side. However, if he keeps his consistency and focus, I think full time sides should have a look at him, I could see him battling and fitting in under Sam Cox at Wealdstone.
Non League Geek 