How Enzo Maresca could use Xavi Simons at Chelsea with attacker already revealing his preferred role

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RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons could be the next attacker who joins Chelsea this summer.

Jamie Gittens has already made the move from the Bundesliga to Chelsea, and Simons could follow suit.

Chelsea have spoken to Simons’ camp about a switch to Stamford Bridge ahead of the new season, so a transfer looks very much possible.

With that in mind, The Chelsea Chronicle has taken a look at how Enzo Maresca could utilise the 22-year-old next season if he manages to get his hands on him.

• READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel has already highlighted exactly why Chelsea want to sign Xavi Simons this summer

Attacking midfielder

Simons is unlikely to get too many opportunities in the No.10 role because of Cole Palmer, but it is his preferred position. The Dutchman has said as much in the past.

“My favourite position is as a 10, but I’ll play wherever the coach puts me and give 100% out on the pitch for the team,” Simons told Leipzig’s official website in 2023.

When Palmer is unavailable or used on the right, that is where you would expect Simons to start.

Left wing

Simons played on the left quite often last season and Chelsea are quite light there at the moment.

While the Blues have signed Gittens, Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable for selection, while Jadon Sancho has been sent back to Manchester United.

Pedro can play there, but he is in line to start up front after thriving there during the Club World Cup. Tyrique George could leave on loan, but he is another option if the 19-year-old stays at Stamford Bridge.

Right wing

He is more effective on the left where he can cut in from with his stronger foot, but in the past Simons has also been deployed on the right.

Another new signing, Estevao Willian, will be looking to make that spot his own, though.

Striker

Simons once played up front against Arsenal for PSV Eindhoven, helping the Dutch side to beat the Gunners 2-0.

You would not expect Maresca to use him there too often, if at all. Pedro, Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson are the Chelsea boss‘ main options, though Jackson could depart before the transfer window closes.

However, Pedro Neto is also seen as a centre-forward option, so there should not be a need for Simons to start through the middle next season. Of course, there is still a lot that needs to happen before Chelsea sign him.