Chelsea player who was overlooked by Enzo Maresca can bail him out of trouble vs Benfica

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It feels like Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca could do with a positive result to ease the pressure when his side host Benfica this week. Well, Blues talent Facundo Buonanotte may be the perfect option to deliver in an important match.

Chelsea have had a pretty horrid month so far, winning just one of their five matches across all competitions in September.

Enzo Maresca, who was widely praised for his impressive debut season as Blues head coach last year, has suddenly come under the microscope for his team’s form. In fact, some Chelsea fans want Maresca to be replaced in the manager’s dugout. However, Chelsea’s board remain behind Maresca because they believe injuries and red cards have been the biggest factors in the poor form.

It is obvious that the Blues need a spark in midweek at home to Jose Mourinho’s Benfica.

We think that Facundo Buonanotte, 20, could provide the extra magic on the pitch to help bail Maresca out of trouble with disgruntled supporters.

• READ MORE: What Carlos Tevez said about Facundo Buonanotte in 2022 should really excite Chelsea fans

Facundo Buonanotte could be Chelsea’s answer vs Benfica

Earlier this month, Buonanotte was omitted from Chelsea’s Champions League squad. The on-loan Brighton playmaker could be a difference-maker against Benfica, though.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder was added to the Champions League squad following an injury to Dario Essugo, so he’s available and ready for selection on Tuesday evening.

Even though the Argentine talent has been on the fringes since joining, he could be needed due to an injury crisis. We’re confident he’s got the individual quality to help, too!

Of course, Cole Palmer is out until the international break with a groin problem that has disrupted his campaign so far. Also, Maresca’s injury update before Chelsea against Benfica mentioned “small problems” for Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos and Joao Pedro, which require late fitness checks.

It could be great to see Buonanotte, who’s a conventional number 10, play in his preferred role to try and create against Benfica.

Chelsea do have faith in Facundo Buonanotte

In his two Chelsea appearances so far, Buonanotte has caught the eye for the right reasons.

The South American technician didn’t look out of place against Brentford in the Premier League earlier in September. Meanwhile, he scored a brilliant individual goal to clinch the win against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.

Chelsea’s recruitment team believe in Buonanotte and his potential. Can Maresca now show that same kind of trust by playing him in midweek during a crunch match?

Without Palmer’s brilliance, the Blues are crying out for something extra in the final third. While Buonanotte is very much still a work in progress, his profile could suit the Benfica tie, where Chelsea must push for a win and three points at home.