Enzo Maresca put out a very different-looking backline in Chelsea’s 3-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier.
Levi Colwill has joined Wesley Fofana on the sidelines, meaning that there were starts for Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah in central defence.
Chalobah was making his first start for Chelsea since returning from his loan spell at Crystal Palace, which was cut short because of Fofana and Benoit Badiashile’s injuries.
Reece James, who is now fit again, also started. James has come onto Real Madrid’s radar again as they try to sign a new right-back this month.
Enzo Maresca calls for huddle with Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah
Again, the backline Chelsea fielded against Wolves was one that had just been thrown together.
Understandably, it was not perfect and Maresca clearly saw something that he did not like in the first half.
Eighteen minutes into the game, while Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa was receiving treatment, the Chelsea manager decided to call over James, Chalobah and Adarabioyo for a huddle as he looked to give some instructions.
This happened before the latter opened the scoring for the Blues in the 24th minute. Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Adarabioyo in the January transfer window.
Reece James dominant in Wolves win
Overall, James had a very solid game before he was taken off in the 77th minute for Axel Disasi.
As per FBref, the Chelsea captain made three tackles and won six out of his eight ground duels. James also won three aerial duels so was dominant in the air, too.
As usual, the right-back carried a threat going forward, recording two key passes. Maresca will be so glad that he is back.
Before the victory, Maresca discussed James, explaining how his leadership skills are improving. Hopefully the England international can just stay fit now and keep bringing all of the above to Chelsea’s games.
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