Following a dramatically disappointing start to preseason, Chelsea bounced back with a resounding 3-0 victory against Club America. Many critics were quick to scrutinize new manager Enzo Maresca, but a dominant display suggests a swift turnaround in form is on the horizon. Likewise, fans can anticipate five major takeaways to build on from their first victory under Maresca.
Five Major Takeaways For Chelsea To Build On
1) Vertical, Free Flowing Build Up Play
The training wheels are finally off. Maresca’s free-flowing build-up play was on full display against Club America, leading to several chances created and a comfortable 3-0 scoreline. Unlike their previous two games, Chelsea were able to progress the ball with ease and were particularly incisive through the middle of the pitch.
The team began to show signs of a clear identity as their on-the-ball approach appeared very methodical. Various passing combinations, evidently straight from the training ground, allowed the Blues to unlock America’s resilient shape. Every pass had a purpose, and they weren’t mindlessly recycling the ball around the back as has been the problem in the post-Tuchel era.
Furthermore, the verticality in Chelsea’s build-up play suggests the ability for Maresca’s team to be dangerously direct. Such a direct style of play is encouraging after they suffered from years of possession-based sides with no sustained attacking threat. If they can further develop such dangerous build-up play, Maresca’s men will be able to challenge for Champions League qualification.
2) Willingness To Adjust Accordingly
The Italian’s willingness to make necessary adjustments is an encouraging sign for the future. Many managers are reluctant to stray away from their tactics or team selections in the face of defeat, but Maresca showed otherwise.
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The coach made four changes to the starting eleven and significantly tweaked his tactical setup in response to a crushing 4-1 defeat against Celtic. Most notably, the backline didn’t push up as high and aggressively this time. T
his prevented space in behind from being exploited so frequently, which the Hoops took advantage of to create countless chances in their last outing. The wide centre halves also tucked in to create a more compact back three, adding defensive security while opening up more passing lanes to build out from the back.
Responding to a loss is one of the hardest aspects of a manager’s job to deal with. As a result, the way Maresca responded to a tumultuous preseason start is very encouraging for the future of his tenure.
3) Christopher Nkunku’s Talismanic Capabilities
Ever since his arrival, Christopher Nkunku has been touted as Chelsea’s new talisman. An injury-riddled debut season delayed his breakout in Chelsea Blue, but his recent form showcases his ability to lead the goalscoring under Maresca.
Nkunku has scored three goals in three games this preseason, including two from the penalty spot. Most impressive of all, the Frenchman slalomed through five defenders before drawing a penalty against Club America all in one mazy dribble, reminiscent of Eden Hazard’s miraculous solo goal against West Ham in 2019.
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Chelsea often relied on Cole Palmer’s individual brilliance to drag them through games under Pochettino. Now that Nkunku’s fit and firing, Palmer won’t have to carry that burden alone any longer.
4) Romeo Lavia’s Continued Excellence
Once upon a time, Chelsea fans struggled to picture a starting midfield without Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. As shown in his recent performances, Romeo Lavia continues to prove why he should be included in those very same discussions.
Lavia once again put on an absolute clinic at the base of midfield. His well-rounded player profile appears to be a perfect fit for Maresca’s ideal number six. Lavia’s silky technique on the ball provides a reliable outlet to transition build-up into attack, while his defensive proficiency allocates reliable protection in front of the backline.
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At only 20 years of age, Lavia has bags of potential to develop into one of the league’s best defensive midfielders. Maresca must balance the use of Lavia alongside the likes of Caicedo, Fernandez, Nkunku, and Palmer in his midfield effectively. Building on the foundations of such a talented midfield could prove to be the manager’s key to success.
5) Malo Gusto Inverting From Fullback
Similar to the midfield dilemma, many Chelsea fans often try to shoehorn Reece James and Malo Gusto in the same lineup. Likewise, Maresca experimented with starting both right backs against Club America to great success.
Gusto continued to flourish from the inverted fullback role despite playing on the left. His consistent ability to transition from defence to midfield, cover a ton of ground, and carry the ball effortlessly through midfield all whilst providing defensive stability is unbelievable. Additionally, his versatility will provide Maresca with various solutions to set up his backline. Chelsea’s new manager must continue to accommodate both Gusto and James in the same lineup to get the best out of his starting lineup.
