'For sure': Enzo Maresca stresses £50m man is an important player for Chelsea after Manchester City defeat
Enzo Maresca has just singled out one Chelsea man as an important player in the squad following the pre-season loss versus Manchester City.
Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States continued on Saturday night, this time losing by a 4-2 scoreline to Premier League champions Manchester City. The Blues were punished numerous times for sloppiness on the ball, which led to goals from Erling Haaland (three) and Oscar Bobb.
There’s a lot of talented centre-halves on the books at Stamford Bridge, but new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is just trying to work out his best combination as he trials several partnerships. Therefore, these defensive lapses at the back don’t come as the biggest surprise, especially when they’re adapting to the possession-based football as well.
Speaking via talkSPORT earlier this week, Dean Saunders said Chelsea need a signing like Virgil van Dijk.
- READ MORE: The three most likely ways Chelsea’s defence could line up in the Premier League next season
Enzo Maresca highlights Raheem Sterling importance
Maresca was full of praise for Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling, 29, following his eye-catching display in the pre-season loss this weekend to Man City.
The Englishman came on as a half-time substitute against his former club and looked very bright in his 45 minutes on the left wing. Most importantly, he netted a stunning left-footed volley to reward himself for his impact off the bench.
It’s interesting to hear Sterling described as a key player in the squad by the new manager, who’s clearly a big fan of his. It feels like he may be playing his way into the starting XI for the start of the new season.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Maresca said via Football.London: “The position of Raheem, for me, is a winger; the position he was in the first four games with us. I don’t see him in another position. In any game, it can happen when we need to use him in a different position. For sure, he is one of our important players, together with the rest.
“At this moment, sometimes he is playing from the start, sometimes he goes inside. The important thing is we give him minutes, and he is doing well.”
It’s time for Raheem Sterling to deliver a big third season
Sterling has been a Chelsea player since he joined them from Man City in the summer of 2022, which means he’s now had two full seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Unfortunately, the attacker’s overall record for the Blues is a little underwhelming for someone of his calibre. He’s scored 19 goals and created 12 assists during 81 games across all competitions in two years.
The £50m signing (BBC) has slightly disappointed so far in Chelsea colours, especially because he’s an experienced head that should be leading the way in a very young squad.
There’s no reason to completely give up on Sterling just yet, though. In fact, this third season under the new coach could be the perfect combination for him to recapture his best form as an out-and-out goalscoring winger.
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