Jadon Sancho was presented to Chelsea fans before the Blues’ Premier League tie against Crystal Palace.
Signing for Chelsea late on deadline day, Jadon Sancho was unable to feature for his new side in their 1-1 draw with Palace.
Enzo Maresca has now been discussing whether having the winger available would have made a difference for the Blues.
The plan is for Sancho to play on the left at Chelsea, which means he is likely to compete with another new signing, Pedro Neto, for a spot in Maresca’s starting XI.
Enzo Maresca discusses Jadon Sancho signing
It looks like Maresca wished he had Sancho available for the London derby at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian believes a winger like the 24-year-old would have made a difference against Palace’s low block.
Speaking to football.london and other outlets after the game, Maresca said: “Jadon is a player, he is here because we like that kind of player — especially against a low block like today.
“With these kind of games, we have five, six or seven chances here. There are not many teams that can do something to win the game.”
Sancho will sign for Chelsea permanently next summer, with the Blues signing him on loan with an obligation to buy.
Jadon Sancho could start against Bournemouth
Chelsea’s next game is against Bournemouth after the international break. Sancho will be hoping to make his debut, and it would not be a surprise if Maresca gave him his full one at the Vitality Stadium.
Sancho has not been called up to his national team, unlike Neto, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke, who could win his first England cap, for example.
The former Borussia Dortmund man, then, should be fresh and ready for the trip down to Bournemouth.
If not, then there is always Chelsea’s third round Carabao Cup tie against Barrow, which is probably more likely.
Whatever the case, based on the words of the new Chelsea manager, it looks like Sancho could become quite an important player for the Blues this season.
Chelsea have plenty of exciting attacking options, and Sancho is now one of them. His debut in blue could be a good one.
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