A number of Chelsea’s fringe players got the chance to impress Enzo Maresca last night in the Carabao Cup against Barrow.
For all intents and purposes, the squad took that chance, with them picking up a comprehensive 5-0 win to book their place in the next round.
Christopher Nkunku was the star of the show, with his hat-trick being another reminder to Maresca that he is good enough to start more often.
Chelsea fans were really impressed by Joao Felix, who got his first start for the club in his second spell at the club in the absence of Cole Palmer.
The Portugal international saw a brilliant free-kick eventually go down as an own goal, however his performance in general was extremely impressive.
Enzo Maresca wanted Joao Felix to stay in position
Felix lined up in the number 10 role, however it is apparent that he was looking to float around and impact the game from elsewhere.
Journalist Rahman Osman has claimed that this didn’t seem to be in Maresca’s plans though, with him calling the attacker back into position to help with the pressing.
He said to LondonWorld: One thing you notice right away when sitting behind the manager is his passion for keeping players in their assigned positions.
“Against Barrow, João Félix reminded everyone why he was once touted as the next big thing in Portuguese football, with a beautiful assist and a later brilliant free kick.
“However, throughout the game, his manager was quick to call him back into position, as he wanted Félix to occupy the No. 10 role and join Nkunku in leading the press.
“There was a tendency for the forward to get carried away by what was a one-sided game, but Maresca always ensured he was in the right place, both when Chelsea were defending and attacking.”
Felix struggling to start behind Cole Palmer
Felix has been forced to wait patiently for a start since returning to the club due to how crucial Palmer is to Chelsea right now.
However, the games are going to come thick and fast from here, with the Conference League starting in just a week’s time.
Maresca needs his whole squad to be fit and firing for when they are called upon, so it is no doubt a boost to him to have so many selection headaches at this stage.
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