Enzo Maresca has revealed where each of his attacking players will play this season, discussing the incredible options at his disposal.
No other team in the Premier League has such an arsenal of attacking talent as the Blues, whose squad is packed with quality.
2
In the 1-0 away win at Bournemouth last week, the West Londoners started with Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson.
And in the second half, Maresca brought on Joao Felix as well as Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku, and the duo combined to score the late winning goal for the club.
Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk and 18-year-old striker Marc Guiu sat on the bench but did not play.
Chelsea’s wide range of options in the attacking formation has left fans wondering where they will all fit in Maresca’s system, which consists of two wingers, a number 10 and a single centre-forward.
Ahead of Chelsea’s London derby at rivals West Ham on Saturday (live on The Pitch Prospect), Maresca addressed these concerns and explained where he sees each player playing.
He said in his press conference: “As left wingers we have Jadon and Misha [Mykhailo Mudryk].
“We have Noni and Pedro as right wingers. We have Joao and Cole as attacking midfielders.
“As number 9 we have Nicolas, Christo [Nkunku] and Marc. We don’t have that many players, we have two players for each position.”
He continued: “Christo can play as a number 9 or as an attacking midfielder and winger.
“Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] can play in the pocket and far.
2
“Pedro played left wing because Jadon wasn’t here and fit, and between Misha, Pedro and Jadon, I preferred Pedro for that one game… but that doesn’t mean I’ll always prefer Pedro.”
“So the squad is pretty clear in terms of positions. Everyone has their position and we have two players in each position.”
“But because they are versatile and good and can play in different positions, we can definitely sell them.
“Christo, for example, played the first game against Manchester City as a winger.”
It remains to be seen which strikers Maresca will field against the Hammers at the London Stadium.
However, Jackson seems destined to take the lead again after starting the first four Premier League games, scoring two goals and providing an assist.