Breaking: Enzo Maresca shares a new perspective on selecting his new captain with Reece James scheduled to miss the next three matches.
Breaking: Enzo Maresca Offers a New Perspective on Selecting a Captain with Reece James Set to Miss Three Matches in Upcoming Fixtures
Chelsea have been actively recruiting players recently, shaping the team as Enzo Maresca strategizes on naming a new captain. With matches against Manchester City, Wolves, and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge approaching, Maresca has already outlined his squad structure.
Today marks the sixth day since Maresca officially took over as head coach, and potential replacements for Chelsea’s captaincy are being considered before the fixtures begin. Reece James, who has captained Chelsea for the past year, may lose his captaincy due to his current situation, as Maresca evaluates his options.
Malo Gusto, crucial to Chelsea since joining last summer, could emerge as a strong candidate for captaincy. The former Lyon defender excelled in James’ absence last season due to a hamstring injury, although James returned to the club after recovering.
James made an impact upon returning with three games left in the season, notably assisting a winning goal against Nottingham Forest. However, in the next match at the Amex Stadium, he received a red card after 19 minutes, his second of the season, leading to a four-match suspension. James served one game and will miss the first three fixtures of the new Premier League season.
Maresca aims to finalize his squad by potentially selecting another defender as captain, given James’ absence. While Gusto is a strong candidate, Maresca has yet to announce his decision before the upcoming matches.
Last season, Gusto made 37 appearances and recorded nine assists despite injury issues. His attacking prowess on the right side added a new dimension to Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino.
Ahead of the Carabao Cup final in February, Gusto praised James, highlighting their mutual support and competition. “Reece is a big player,” Gusto said. “One of the best in this position. It’s not good for the team [that he was injured], as Reece is the captain, and it’s not good for everyone in the club. But for me, I have to be ready to take every chance.”
James may remain Maresca’s preferred right-back when fit. However, it’s crucial for Gusto to make a significant impact in the first three games, potentially defining his season.