“They need more time from Enzo” – Three Chelsea players who need more opportunities under Enzo Maresca this season
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Enzo Maresca has shown consistency in his team selection for Chelsea’s Premier League games, often sticking with the players who have delivered results. Despite having plenty of talented players vying for positions, Maresca’s loyalty to his key performers has paid off, as seen with Noni Madueke, who scored over the weekend to rescue a point after some suggested he should be benched.
However, there are several quality players waiting in the wings who are ready to make an impact. According to The Chelsea Chronicle, three players, in particular, deserve more chances to showcase their abilities under Maresca.
1. Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku has been in great form whenever he gets an opportunity to play, but those chances have been rare in the Premier League. He has only started once in the league, playing on the left wing during the opening game against Manchester City.
Since then, Nkunku has proven himself more suited to the central striker role, which has been occupied by Nicolas Jackson throughout the season. But with Jackson now having gone two games without a goal, this could be the perfect time to give Nkunku more time to shine.
Nkunku, signed for a significant fee in the summer, is expected to be a regular starter for Chelsea, particularly on the wings. Although his appearances have mostly been limited to cup competitions, where he has scored in his last two outings, he is more than deserving of Premier League starts.
2. Neto
Neto has also impressed in cup matches but has yet to feature regularly in the league. He’s another versatile player who can excel on either side of the attack, making him a great option to add more firepower to Chelsea’s front line.
With Madueke currently holding his spot on the right wing, Neto could provide valuable competition. His lack of injuries and consistent performances in cup games indicate that he should be given more opportunities in the Premier League soon.
3. Carney Chukwuemeka
Carney Chukwuemeka is a talented player who, surprisingly, hasn’t started a single game under Maresca this season. While Cesare Casadei has been preferred in cup competitions, Chukwuemeka’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain, especially since Maresca admitted the original plan was to part ways with him in the summer.
Now that he’s still with the club, there’s no reason not to utilize his talents. With the Carabao Cup and Conference League matches piling up, Chukwuemeka should be given more chances to show what he can do.
Conclusion
While Enzo Maresca has stayed loyal to his top performers, Chelsea’s depth of talent means there are plenty of players waiting for their chance. Christopher Nkunku, Neto, and Carney Chukwuemeka have all shown they’re ready for bigger roles and deserve more opportunities to prove themselves in the Premier League. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how Maresca manages the squad and integrates these players into his plans.
