“Imagine him & Omorodion” – Chelsea make move to sign world-class Williams alternative
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Enzo Maresca’s New Tactics at Chelsea
Implementing a Fresh Style of Play
As Chelsea gears up for the new season, Enzo Maresca is busy implementing an innovative style of play. This strategy includes inverting one of the full-backs, employing two advanced eights in the half-spaces, and using high and wide touchline wingers to stretch the play.
The focus of this system is to create one-on-one opportunities for the wide players. The idea is for these wingers to beat their defenders and deliver crosses or cutbacks into the box, where the striker and the number eights can capitalize.
Wing Play and Transfer Rumors
Pre-season games have highlighted the importance of the wingers in creating chances. However, there’s been some concern about the performance of Raheem Sterling and Mykhalio Mudryk on the left side, prompting fans to call for reinforcements in that area.
Chelsea’s Interest in Federico Chiesa
Recent reports from Italy suggest that Roma is leading the race to sign Juventus winger Federico Chiesa, who has been on Chelsea’s radar. Known for his ability to play on both wings, Chiesa fits Chelsea’s preference for a right-footed winger.
Once hailed as a “world-class forward” by Jerry Mancini, the 26-year-old has struggled to regain top form following a cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for 269 days in 2022. Last season, Chiesa made 37 appearances for Juventus, scoring ten goals and providing three assists over 2,512 minutes.
Chiesa vs. Nico Williams: A Comparison
When comparing Chiesa to another Chelsea target, Nico Williams, it’s important to consider their recent form. Chiesa has been trying to find his footing post-injury, while Williams has been in exceptional form over the past year.
Williams, 22, played 37 matches for Athletic Bilbao last season, scoring eight goals and delivering 19 assists in 2,729 minutes. This performance marked his best output at the senior level, with a significant increase in his goal contributions compared to the previous season.
Chiesa offers a creative flair, generating chances for himself and his teammates. With an expected assists (xAG) of 0.25 per 90 minutes and 0.07 actual assists, he creates more opportunities than are converted. For a club confident in its forwards and midfielders to finish these chances, this is promising.
His shooting frequency surpasses that of Williams and Sterling, indicating his tendency to cut inside from the left and take shots with his right foot, adding a new dimension to his play.
Chiesa’s Fit with Chelsea’s New Signing
Chiesa’s playmaking ability would complement Chelsea’s new striker, Samu Omorodion, well. With 2.21 key passes per 90 minutes and 4.80 shot-creating actions per 90, Chiesa could form a formidable partnership with Omorodion, leading to numerous goals throughout the season.
Additionally, Chiesa excels in delivering crosses into the penalty area, ranking in the top 1% among wingers in the top five leagues with 0.74 crosses per 90 minutes. This skill perfectly aligns with Omorodion’s aerial prowess, as he wins 2.75 aerial duels per 90 minutes.
With Omorodion now on board, Chelsea is keen to enhance their crossing ability to maximize his strengths, and acquiring Chiesa could be the perfect solution.
