Chelsea supporters have been patient for a long time. After the acquisition of Todd Boehly in 2022, the London club was more talked about for its spending on the transfer market and the permanent waltz of its coaches. But this season it’s different. Before going to Tottenham, Chelsea occupy second position in the Premier League standings. If Mauricio Pochettino has his share of responsibility, after the successful second part of last season, this place is mainly due to the good work provided by Enzo Maresca.
However, the former Leicester coach did not have the most suitable arrival at Chelsea. With more than forty players at his disposal, Maresca parted ways with, among others, Lukaku, Sterling, Gallagher and Kepa last summer. If he allowed himself some adjustments, with the arrivals of Pedro Neto, João Félix or even Jadon Sancho, the former assistant of Pep Guardiola chose to work with a good part of the players already present last season. A profitable choice, since certain players – in difficulty in the past – are now establishing themselves as important elements of his 4-2-3-1.
Completely regained confidence
This is the case of Moisés Caïcedo, who was widely criticized last season and who today forms, with Enzo Fernández, one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. While the Argentinian plays higher and is more decisive thanks to his inside passes and his goals, the Ecuadorian remains well placed to cover him and recover the ball, often in a very aggressive manner (3.2 tackles/ match). When he’s on his feet, Wesley Fofana moves into defense alongside Levi Colwill. Recently criticized by Maresca for his defensive contribution, Noni Madueke did better than the previous season (5 goals and 2 assists in 13 games) and shows that his qualities of speed and percussion can allow him to compete with Neto and Sancho.
As for Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, no other duo does better in the Premier League. The English attacking midfielder continues to tread water after an exceptional 2023-2024 season, while the Senegalese center forward is more killer in front of goal. Between them, they have been involved in 26 of Chelsea’s 31 goals this season. The best attack in the league, no less. And in back-up, the Blues are not to be complained about: Nkunku, Félix, Mudryk, Dewsbury-Hall, Lavia, Disasi, Badiashile… Players who are more established in the Conference League, but who make good starts when Maresca calls on them in the PL. A management which may seem cruel, but which is bearing fruit for the moment (1st in UECL).
A serious candidate for the title?
In the league, only Manchester City (0-2) and Liverpool (2-1) managed to gain the upper hand against Chelsea. THE Blues had also shown an attractive face at Anfield, remaining faithful to their desire to press high. Apart from these two setbacks, the Londoners have been convincing against West Ham, Brighton, Newcastle, Aston Villa and, more recently, Southampton. Enough to make their supporters dream. And Madueke is aware of that. “ They can get excited, that’s for sure. I arrived at Chelsea a few years ago and it wasn’t always like that. They should be very excited to know that we are not slowing down. », he declared for Amazon Primeafter the victory against the Saints (1-5), this Wednesday.
A very different response from that of Enzo Maresca, questioned the day before at a press conference. “ We are not in the title race, in my opinion. Chelsea will be one of the teams or team that will dominate English football in the next five to ten years. This is what I told the leaders the first time I met them. Now they didn’t ask me for a goal, but just to build something important for the years to come. I think we are in the right direction. In terms of personal goals, I know from the outside it’s hard to believe, but I just want to see how players can improve. » It remains to be seen whether the Italian will change his mind in the event of a victory against Spurs, at the end of the afternoon…
