Life is always interesting as a Chelsea supporter.
Last season was an unmitigated disaster for the Blues, even if they managed to save face with a late surge up the Premier League table at the end of the campaign. Those in the boardroom had seen enough though, swiftly parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino just a year after his appointment.
Enzo Maresca, who guided Leicester City to Championship glory, has been drafted in to replace the Argentine, with Chelsea’s propensity for transfer dealings not slowing down this summer. They have been characteristically busy snapping up young talent from every corner of the world, with some first-team additions also arriving to bolster an already stacked squad.
With a gazillion players to choose from ahead of the new season, here is how Maresca could line Chelsea up for his debut campaign.
GK: Filip Jorgensen
Despite signing both Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic last summer, Chelsea look set to acquire a new stopper this summer. That appears to be highly-rated Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who shone in La Liga last season. The 22-year-old is adept playing out from the back, something essential in a Maresca side.
RB: Reece James
How long Reece James can stay fit is anyone’s guess but the England international is a guaranteed starter when in full flight. Bombing up and down the right flank, his exceptional playmaking abilities could be key given Maresca likes to operate with an inverted full-back. He will miss the opening three games of the season due to suspension, though.
CB: Wesley Fofana
Having missed the entirety of the 2023/24 season with another nasty injury, Wesley Fofana will be desperate to get up and running under Maresca. The French defender is undoubtedly brilliant when fit, but the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile will be fighting for his starting spot.
CB: Levi Colwill
The elegant left-footed defender is the perfect partner for Fofana, allowing Chelsea to progress up the pitch with his excellent passing and driving runs. Injuries derailed his campaign last season too, but he is unlikely to be usurped next term given the qualities he possesses. He can operate at left-back as well, which always comes in handy when you have the injury-prone Ben Chilwell.
LB: Marc Cucurella
The writing looked on the wall for Marc Cucurella after a torrid start to his Chelsea career, but his recent form has been as…
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