LATEST NEWS: “He deserves to start” – Enzo Maresca plans to give the £30m Chelsea player his first Premier League start against Liverpool on Sunday.
Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Faces Key Decisions Ahead of Liverpool Showdown
As Chelsea prepares for their weekend clash against Liverpool, manager Enzo Maresca has several important choices to make regarding his starting lineup. With many of Chelsea’s top players currently on international duty, some fringe players have taken the opportunity to impress and push for regular starting roles.
International Performers
One standout player during the international break is Christopher Nkunku. Continuing his impressive club form, Nkunku delivered an excellent performance for France, scoring a brilliant goal and solidifying his role as a crucial figure for both club and country.
Additionally, Mykhailo Mudryk has turned in solid performances during the international fixtures, raising questions for Maresca about whether the Ukrainian winger deserves more playing time when Chelsea faces Liverpool at Anfield.
Midfielders Returning Late
Chelsea’s first-choice midfielders, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, are set to return to training later than most of their teammates, as their international duties extend into the early hours of Wednesday morning. The quick turnaround may leave them fatigued, prompting Maresca to consider other midfield options for the upcoming match.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: A Possible Midfield Solution?
This situation may pave the way for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to make his first Premier League start for Chelsea. Dewsbury-Hall has been training closely with Maresca and the non-international players, receiving more individual attention and tactical guidance over the past week.
He made a strong case for inclusion during Chelsea’s recent Conference League match against Gent, where he not only performed well but also scored his first goal for the club. Maresca’s visible joy after the goal highlighted the close connection between the two, reinforcing Dewsbury-Hall’s importance in executing Maresca’s tactical plans on the field.
A Swap for Fernandez?
With Fernandez likely to be fatigued after his international commitments, Dewsbury-Hall emerges as the ideal candidate to fill the midfield role, offering fresh energy. Although Romeo Lavia is nearing full fitness, it may be too soon to rush him back into action following his long-term injury.
As Maresca prepares for the pivotal Liverpool match, Dewsbury-Hall could be the surprise inclusion in the lineup, potentially providing Chelsea with the spark they need to deliver a strong performance at Anfield.