Journalist thinks £12m Chelsea player has really grown after seeing him play in Carabao Cup

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A number of Chelsea’s squad players got the chance to show Enzo Maresca what they could do in Carabao Cup action at Stamford Bridge last night.

The Blues won 5-0 against League 2 Barrow, with clinical finishing on display particularly in the first half.

Christopher Nkunku’s hat-trick put more pressure on Maresca to find a way to start him more regularly, however the whole team performance was impressive as they made it three clean sheets in a row.

• READ MORE: Christopher Nkunku has warning for Chelsea teammates despite beating Barrow 5-0

The midfield took a new look last night, with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez being handed well-deserved rests.

Cesare Casadei was handed his first start of the season, with him one of those who remained at the club over the summer despite interest in him over the summer.

Cesare Casadei looking huge in action for Chelsea

One thing that was notable was the height factor he brought to the side. The Italian won nearly all of his aerial duels.

Journalist Simon Johnson has claimed that after watching him from the stands, he was convinced the youngster had grown even more recently.

He said: “Is it me or has Casadei grown some more? Looks huge next to many of his Chelsea teammates.”

Cesare Casadei height

Casadei is listed on the Chelsea website as being 6ft 1in, however watching him last night it is hard not to think he has added to that.

There will no doubt be some Chelsea fans who would have been hoping to see Carney Chukwuemeka in his place last night, after Maresca hinted he could be returning to his plans.

The youngster was a second half substitute, where he left his mark on the game despite playing just 14 minutes.

It remains to be seen if either player can do anything to force themselves into Maresca’s plans more often.

There will at least be plenty of fixtures that could allow them their chance to feature more, with the Conference League starting up next week.

There will certainly be more rotation in that competition, with some key players including Cole Palmer not involved in the squad at all.