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The signing Enzo Maresca really wanted to make for Chelsea instead of Joao Felix

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One of the signings Chelsea made over the summer is actually yet to start a game in the Premier League since joining the club.

The deal to sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid seemed to come a bit out of nowhere, with Chelsea seemingly more keen originally to sign another player from the Spanish side.

They were strongly linked to Samu Omorodion, however eventually rejected the chance to sign the forward who is currently flying for Porto.

Chelsea Training and Press Conference
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Felix impressed greatly in the Conference League last week, with him looking as if he was a cut above everyone else on the pitch as he found the net twice.

Enzo Maresca wanted a centre-back instead of Joao Felix

Maresca has claimed he has been impressed with the Portugal international since he joined the club, although he may well have not been planning his season with the former Barcelona man in his squad.

According to The Sun, the manager was far more keen on bringing in another centre-back instead of Felix over the summer.

Reports stated that there was actually no interest from Chelsea in signing Felix before they did, with it looking very much as if it was the best possible way to facilitate a move away for Conor Gallagher.

Maresca has stayed loyal to the same central defensive partnership whenever it has been available in the Premier League this season.

Does Maresca have faith in his centre-backs at Chelsea?

He has started Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill whenever possible, however it is unclear if this is as a result of him not having enough faith in the other options available.

Of those not starting, someone who has impressed recently is Benoit Badiashile after a really tough start to the season.

Maresca was spotted working closely with Badiashile in training this week, suggesting he has a good chance of starting for the Blues tonight when they take part in EFL Cup action against Newcastle.

Felix is another player who is likely to start. He has been forced to wait patiently for his chance behind Cole Palmer this season.