Enzo Maresca was able to get a look at a number of Chelsea players who haven’t really had their chance to impress him yet in the Carabao Cup last night.
There was one notable name on the substitutes bench for the first time this season, with Ben Chilwell given a chance off the bench to make his first appearance of the campaign.
The left-back was given the captain’s armband for the second half last night, with him replacing Malo Gusto after he made his first appearance since his injury.
There was unwavering support inside Stamford Bridge for Chilwell, who very much could have found himself playing for another side right now if things had gone to plan.
Maresca has explained after the game just why he decided to bring the England international back into the side for the Carabao Cup tie.
Maresca had plan for Ben Chilwell
He said to Football London: “Yeah, that was planned. With Malo going inside on that side and in the second-half, we did the same on the left side.
“We tried to prepare the game, depends on the other team. We try to find solutions and Palace was one plan, today was another plan. Malo in the first-half, Chilwell in the second-half were playing like attacking midfielders on the ball.
“It is to create an overload on one side of the pitch; to have more options to pass, not just one. The idea is to give them more solutions and then they decide.”
Chilwell’s future still uncertain
It remains to be seen if Chilwell did enough to be back in the plans at Stamford Bridge on a more regular basis, however the competition in his position is extreme.
Marc Cucurella has established himself as one of the most important names on the teamsheet right now, and looks to be perfect for Maresca’s system.
Renato Veiga started the game last night, with him looking like a very smart signing already due to his versatility.
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