With lower league opposition visiting Chelsea last night, there was an opportunity for a number of players to finally get their chance to prove themselves to the manager.
Enzo Maresca rotated heavily for the Carabao Cup tie against Barrow, however it made little difference to the scoreline as the Blues ran out 5-0 winners.
Christopher Nkunku’s hat-trick put more pressure on the boss to hand him more appearances, while a number of players who haven’t even been seen yet this season.
One of those was Ben Chilwell, who got a warm reception from Stamford Bridge after it looked a real possibility that he would be on the move this summer.
Another player who was making his first appearance of the season was Carney Chukwuemeka, who himself had a summer of uncertainty.
Carney Chukwuemeka impresses Enzo Maresca
There is still plenty of hype around the youngster. He has previously been described as ‘exciting’ by Todd Boehly when he joined the club.
Chukwuemeka caught the eye off the bench, and Maresca was one figure who was notably impressed with what he was seeing.
Journalist Simon Johnson shared that he was applauding a run and effort from the midfielder late in the game.
He said: “Chukwuemeka goes on a threatening run, then shoots wildly wide with his left foot…but Maresca applauds his efforts warmly.”
Chukwuemeka likely to still be on the move
Maresca hinted Chukwuemeka could be about to return to his plans after a summer move fell through for his departure, however he has not been seen in a Premier League matchday squad since those comments.
He was also not able to earn a start last night, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Cesare Casadei preferred by the manager.
It still feels as if the club will be looking for suitors for Chukwuemeka when the transfer window opens again in January.
The competition for places is certainly a nice problem to have, with no one really letting the side down at this stage.
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