Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca defines role for each of his attacking players and where they will play this season
Today at 11:16 AM
Enzo Maresca has announced where each of his attacking players will play this season as he discussed the incredible options at his disposal.
No other Premier League side boast an arsenal of attacking talent like the Blues, whose squad is stacked with quality.
In last week’s 1-0 win away at Bournemouth, the west Londoners started 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, with the duo combining for the club’s late winner.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk and 18-year-old striker Marc Guiu were unused substitutes.
Chelsea’s stacked options up top have led to fans questioning where they will all fit into Maresca’s system, which comprises of two wingers, a No.10 and a lone centre-forward.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s London derby away at rivals West Ham on Saturday – live on talkSPORT – Maresca addressed those concerns, as he outlined where he sees every player featuring.
He said in his press conference: “As left wingers, we have Jadon and Misha [Mykhailo Mudryk].
“As right wingers, we have Noni and Pedro. As attacking midfielders, we have Joao and Cole.
“As a No.9, we have Nicolas, Christo [Nkunku] and Marc. We do not have so many players, we have two players for each position.”
He continued: “Christo can play as a No.9 or as an attacking midfielder and a winger.
“Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] can play in the pocket and wide.
“Pedro was playing as a left-winger 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 always I will prefer Pedro.
“So the squad is quite clear in terms of positions. All of them have their position and we have two players in each position.
“But because they are versatile, good and can play in different positions, for sure we can move them.
“For example, Christo played the first game against Manchester City as a winger.”
It remains to be seen what frontline Maresca will go with against the Hammers at the London Stadium.
Although Jackson seems destined to lead the line once again having started each of their opening four Premier League matches and scored two goals, plus provided one assist.
