Enzo Maresca’s team selection in recent friendlies has begun to give a big indicator to the Chelsea side he is looking to start the domestic season with.
While the Blues were defeated 4-2 against Manchester City, Noni Madueke in particular made a real statement with his performance in the second half really boosting his chances of starting on the opening day at Stamford Bridge.
Pre-season has always been an opportunity for players who were not really seen as first teamers before to make an impact on the decision makers at the club.
One youngster who has certainly taken his chance so far is Marc Guiu, who is already off the mark in Chelsea colours to mark his impressive start.
Another talent who has been given opportunities in all but one friendly so far is Angelo Gabriel, a player who is hoping to remain in the first team picture after his loan at Strasbourg.
Angelo Gabriel hints he will play for Chelsea vs Real Madrid
It looks as if the youngster could be about to get another opportunity in the final friendly of the tour of the United States. He told Chelsea’s 5th Stand app that he was really excited about the prospect of facing Real Madrid.
He said: “I am very happy to have this big challenge. Games like these are games I prepared for all my life. As a kid, I always dreamed of playing against teams and players like these.
“As a kid, I see Vinicius Junior as an inspiration and then Rodrygo, who is a great friend of mine and an idol, is at Real Madrid too.
“It makes us happy and motivated. And of course, we know it will be a big game, and we know the magnitude that is playing in the Chelsea shirt.
“It’s a huge challenge for us and I’m just happy to be able to play in games that we always dreamed of playing in.”
Competition for places on the wings
Angelo is certainly facing an uphill battle to make his way into the first team next season, with Chelsea well stocked in the wide areas right now.
Cole Palmer could still certainly see a number of his minutes there, while Madueke has made the most of his pre-season to impress.
Raheem Sterling has featured in that role before too, and has also enjoyed somewhat of a mini-resurgence during the tour of America so far.
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