Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has provided clarity on the positions of several key players following their narrow 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium last weekend.
The match highlighted the depth of Chelsea’s attacking options, with Maresca utilizing a blend of starters and substitutes to secure the win.
Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Neto, and Nicolas Jackson all featured in the starting lineup, showcasing the range of talent available to the manager.
As the game remained goalless, Maresca turned to his bench, introducing Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, and Jadon Sancho in the second half to bolster the attack.
However, there has been some debate surrounding Neto’s positioning on the right wing.
The summer signing from Wolves had predominantly played on the left flank due to the impressive form of Madueke. Addressing this, Maresca explained his tactical choices.
“As left wingers, we have Jadon [Sancho] and Misha [Mudryk]. As right wingers, we have Noni [Madueke] and Pedro [Neto],” Maresca clarified.
“As attacking midfielders, we have Joao Felix and Cole [Palmer]. As a No. 9, we have Nicolas [Jackson], Christo [Nkunku], and Marc [Cucurella]. We do not have so many players, we have two players for each position.”
Maresca’s comments highlight Chelsea’s tactical versatility and depth in the attacking department.
With two players available for each attacking position, the manager has plenty of options to rotate his squad as the season progresses.
The balance between emerging talent like Madueke and established stars like Joao Felix has given Chelsea a dynamic edge as they continue their Premier League campaign.
Chelsea will take on West Ham United in a crucial Premier League clash at the London Stadium on Saturday, September 21