Pat Nevin shares the substitution he really wanted Enzo Maresca to make for Chelsea vs Liverpool

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Enzo Maresca has frequently shown since taking over at Chelsea that he is not afraid to make early substitutions when things are not going well.

At half-time of their 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, the manager replaced Jadon Sancho with Pedro Neto, who is fair to say performed better than the player he replaced.

It was just minutes into the second half when a triple change came too. Returning pair Reece James and Romeo Lavia were replaced in their first appearances for some time.

• READ MORE: Thiago Silva’s wordless reaction to Reece James returning from injury for Chelsea

Jamie Carragher stated he was shocked Lavia was substituted, although it had to be taken into account it was just his second start for the club since joining over a year ago.

One player who was left on the bench was Joao Felix, with Maresca clearly feeling like his side had a better chance of scoring if Christopher Nkunku was brought on late.

Pat Nevin wanted Joao Felix to be subbed on in Chelsea vs Liverpool

The Portuguese star has had to wait patiently for his second spell at the club to kick into gear, with Cole Palmer’s excellence keeping him out of his strongest role.

Pat Nevin however believes the creativity Felix can bring should have seen him introduced to proceedings in the second half.

He said to BBC Sport’s newsletter: “As someone openly wanting a Chelsea win but always brutally honest enough to accept when we are second best on the day, there was one player I wanted introduced more than any other, Joao Felix. Enzo Maresca made five changes when creation was needed and the Portuguese playmaker wasn’t called on.

“Is there something his managers know that I don’t, because in terms of skill and creativity he clearly deserves more chances if Chelsea are going to have a chance.”

Felix set to start in Conference League on Thursday

Felix’s appearances of significance have mostly been limited to cup competitions, and his next opportunity is likely to be in the Conference League on Thursday.

Palmer’s exclusion from the squad for the group stages of that competition give him a chance to impress, with the hope being that he can force himself into the starting side more regularly going forwards.