Why Daniel Munoz would absolutely hate playing for Enzo Maresca amid Chelsea links

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Chelsea already have Reece James and Malo Gusto for the right-back position, but they are still being linked with Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz.

It is not the first time Chelsea have reportedly shown an interest in the 29-year-old.

Back in February, it was also claimed that Chelsea were considering Munoz alongside the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona.

The Blues will have their appeal to Munoz, but staying at Palace or joining another club may be the better option for him and for more than one reason.

Daniel Munoz would have very different role at Chelsea to current one at Crystal Palace

Mundo Deportivo recently reported that Munoz has once again caught Chelsea’s attention.

Munoz would have to compete against both James and Gusto for a spot in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI, but that is not the only issue he faces.

At Palace, the 29-year-old plays as a right wing-back, which gives him the opportunity to attack and get inside the opposition’s box.

According to FBref, Munoz makes 2.88 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 minutes, leaving him in the 93rd percentile among full-backs.

Over the weekend, Gusto scored a header for Chelsea in their 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, so there are opportunities for the right-back in the Blues’ team to get into the box.

However, Maresca prefers when his right-back inverts into midfield, with the left-back on the other side being the one who ventures into the penalty box more often.

It means Munoz could have a very different role at Chelsea if he joins the Club World Cup winners, one where he does not get to attack as much, or at least not in the way that he is used to.

All in all, Munoz could end up hating what he is asked to do on the Stamford Bridge pitch. It is unlikely to be as fun as marauding into the other team’s penalty area.

The number of touches Reece James and Malo Gusto get in opposition box

To put the right-back role at Chelsea into perspective, James is only making 0.63 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 minutes, while Gusto is registering 1.67.

You would expect Munoz’s 2.88 to drop quite significantly if he does move to Chelsea, then. Again, as an attacking right wing-back, the Colombia international may not like that.

Also, with James managing to stay fit and Gusto in form, the Conference League holders do not need another right-back right now.