Enzo Maresca says Chelsea fringe player is 'helping us' following Lincoln City comeback
Enzo Maresca was saved by Facundo Buonanotte and Tyrique George on Tuesday night.
After 45 minutes, Chelsea found themselves 1-0 down to League One side Lincoln City at the LNER Stadium.
However, goals from George and Buonanotte saw the visitors turn things around and win their third-round Carabao Cup tie.
Chelsea fans were impressed with George’s goal, which started the team’s comeback, and Maresca has since spoken about the winger.
Enzo Maresca gives credit to Tyrique George
Had the summer transfer window ended differently, Maresca would not have even had George for the Lincoln fixture.
George was set to join Fulham but saw his move to Craven Cottage collapse at the last minute.
The 19-year-old has got over that disappointment, though, and is now doing a job for Chelsea, which his manager has acknowledged.
Speaking to Sky Sports following Chelsea’s victory over Lincoln, Maresca said: “We already gave Tyrique George last year some confidence. This year, even Manchester United and Fulham in the second half, he’s playing games and helping us.
“We need that. Last week has been a tough week for us in terms of results. Now we go again.”
While George is a winger, the Chelsea academy product has been playing up front, with Maresca lacking options in the striker position right now.
Liam Delap is still injured, while Nicolas Jackson joined Bayern Munich on loan on deadline day. George has been given the opportunity to lead the line for the Blues, even though Marc Guiu is available.
Chris Sutton impressed with Tyrique George’s goal
Indeed, George’s strike against Lincoln was a very good one, catching the attention of former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton.
Sutton discussed George’s goal while commentating on the game, saying: “I tell you what, this is some finish, some strike. Out of nothing, Chelsea are level. Tyrique George, he must be 24 yards out, on the left-hand side of the box; the ball just sits, and he lashes the ball on the half volley right-footed. It hammers off the far post. [Zach] Jeacock is absolutely nowhere near it. No goalkeeper in the world is stopping that. That is an absolutely stunning strike.”
Maresca could now start George up front in Chelsea’s next match against Brighton & Hove Albion, with Joao Pedro dropping into the No.10 position.
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Cole Palmer looks likely to miss the game in a massive blow to the Blues. It is being reported that Palmer could be sidelined for three to six weeks.
If so, Pedro or Buonanotte starting in the attacking midfielder role is the route that Maresca is likely to go down, though the latter will not be able to play against his parent club this weekend.
from Chelsea FC Latest News & Club Updates | The Chelsea Chronicle https://ift.tt/0FxGY5Z
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