Enzo Maresca shares he was really impressed by ‘physically strong’ Chelsea player in Gent win

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Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca delivered glowing praise on one player after his individual display in this week’s win in Europe.

The Blues kicked off the Conference League group stages on Thursday evening by winning 4-2 at home to Belgian club Gent.

Enzo Maresca put huge faith in his squad by making 11 changes versus Gent. Eventually, the manager was justified as the hosts secured a pretty convincing victory at Stamford Bridge.

Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall all scored as Chelsea demonstrated their attacking firepower this season.

• READ MORE: Enzo Maresca was absolutely thrilled when ‘amazing’ Chelsea player scored vs Gent

Chelsea learned many things from the Gent result, including that their second string of players is super powerful.

Enzo Maresca notices big improvement in Cesare Casadei

Maresca thinks that Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei was a big plus point from the Conference League victory against Gent.

The 21-year-old youngster started in the centre of the park alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, dictating the play from deep and physically imposing himself on the contest.

When asked about Casadei’s performance versus Gent, Maresca said via Football.London: “Cesare played very good against Barrow and even better tonight. I am very happy with the way he is playing. I had Cesare last year and he was playing a little bit in different position.

“This year, we are using him like a holding midfielder. The reason why is because I think we go in the direction where the middle you need physical players. Cesare is very big, physically strong and helps us when we want to press.

“On the ball, he is improving a lot. Tonight he played one touch, so we are very happy. For him, it’s the same as the rest; many things he can do better but he is in the right direction.”

Cesare Casadei finding his feet

Casadei wasn’t getting a look-in during the early parts of the season, which is understandable when you weigh up the competition in his area of the pitch. However, we’re delighted to see the Italian talent get minutes recently and impress on a matchday.

He’s operated as a defensive midfielder in wins against Barrow (League Cup) and Gent (Conference League), performing quite well in both matches.

It’s a slightly different role for him because he’s been a box-to-box midfielder during his development. He does seem quite suited to the deeper position with his physical attributes, though.

FotMob has provided the individual statistics from Casadei’s positive display at home to Gent:

• Minutes played – 90
• Match rating – 6.8
• Touches – 100
• Accurate passes – 88/90 (98%)
• Total shots – 1
• Chances created – 1
• Interceptions – 3

Even with Chelsea’s fringe players, it does seem like everything Maresca touches turns to gold right now.