The new Chelsea manager is currently deep in preparation for his first game as a Premier League manager.
Enzo Maresca now has a full pre-season under his belt right now, and although results didn’t go their way he will have seen a group of players begin to develop in his system.
The Italian has looked to get his side utilising an inverted full-back, with Reece James occupying midfield positions throughout the tour of the United States.
Now Marc Cucurella is back with the first team squad, there is the chance for both full-backs to come inside and help out in the middle of the park.
However, one Chelsea player who does not look as if they have a place in the squad is Ben Chilwell, with Maresca almost admitting as much earlier this summer.
Ben Chilwell frustrated under Enzo Maresca
The vice-captain’s minutes were heavily reduced during pre-season, and the signing of Renato Veiga will likely give more competition for his place in the matchday squad.
According to TalkSPORT, the situation has left the full-back frustrated, with him now assessing his options before the end of the transfer window.
After joining the club for £50m four years ago, Chilwell has unfortunately seen a string of injuries limit his time on the pitch.
Marc Cucurella number one left-back
This has allowed Cucurella the chance to become the number one option at left-back, and he seems to have taken this with both hands.
As part of the Spain team who were victorious at Euro 2024, the defender was one of the most impressive players at the entire tournament.
There were real doubts over Cucurella in the months that followed his big-money move to Stamford Bridge, however he has begun to turn things around, and will be hoping this season proves to be one where he continues to establish himself as a top defender again.
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