“Please start him tomorrow” – Chelsea fans urge Enzo Maresca to give £45m ace chance in vs Fulham clash

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Chelsea’s Unmatched Squad Depth: A Double-Edged Sword

Chelsea’s roster boasts incredible depth, allowing the team to field entirely different lineups across competitions.

Flexible Lineups in European Competitions

Head coach Enzo Maresca has even been able to deploy a completely alternate starting XI for the UEFA Conference League. Players like Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, and Cole Palmer were left out of the European squad altogether. This strategy ensures adequate game time for other squad members while also carefully managing the workload of key players.

While this level of depth is a luxury few European clubs can afford, it does have its downsides. A surplus of talent can lead to dissatisfaction among players who feel sidelined, creating tension within the squad.

Joao Felix’s Struggles for Game Time

One player feeling the impact of this squad rotation is Joao Felix. Reports suggest Chelsea plans to have a conversation with the Portuguese forward to better understand his current mindset.

Felix’s Limited Starts

According to Give Me Sport, there is growing concern at Stamford Bridge that Felix, wearing Chelsea’s No. 14 jersey, is unhappy with his role. The 25-year-old, signed for £46.3 million from Atletico Madrid in August, has only started twice in the Premier League this season out of a possible 17 matches.

Additionally, Felix has managed just two starts in the UEFA Conference League and another two in the Carabao Cup. Despite his limited appearances, interest from other clubs is expected in the January transfer window. To address his concerns, Maresca intends to meet with the forward and assess his feelings. If Felix truly desires a change, Chelsea may explore transferring him to a new club.

Chelsea’s Stance on Felix’s Future

It’s worth noting that Chelsea is not actively seeking to offload Felix. However, the club won’t force him to stay if he expresses a desire to move. The priority is to ensure the player feels valued and settled.

Fans’ Desire to See More of Felix

Chelsea supporters have made it clear they want Felix to feature more prominently. The frustration among fans grew after Felix was left on the bench during the 0-0 draw against Everton, with only two substitutions made—Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku.

Calls for Felix in Upcoming Matches

Since that match, fans have been vocal on social media, urging Maresca to start Felix in the Boxing Day clash against Fulham. According to Give Me Sport, the head coach is considering giving the Portuguese star an opportunity in the upcoming west London derby and the trip to Ipswich on December 30th. These games could be pivotal in improving Felix’s mood and re-establishing his confidence.

A Chance for Redemption

Joao Felix is undeniably a talented player searching for stability after a challenging spell with Atletico Madrid. Chelsea has the opportunity to provide that stability, but it hinges on both the player’s happiness and the team’s ability to integrate him effectively into their plans. Fans and the club alike hope Felix can flourish and remain an integral part of Chelsea’s squad.