What Enzo Maresca plans to do with Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Enzo Maresca Faces Selection Challenges Next Season
Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, is set to navigate a season filled with tough choices and strategic decisions. After Mauricio Pochettino’s mutual departure, Maresca, at 44, is stepping in with the hefty goal of steering Chelsea back into the Premier League’s top four and securing a Champions League spot.
The No.10 Dilemma for 2024/25
One of Maresca’s key challenges for the 2024/25 season will be deciding on the optimal player for the No.10 position in a potential 4-2-3-1 formation. With both Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku in the squad, the decision isn’t straightforward.
Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku: Chelsea’s No.10 Contenders
Cole Palmer, primarily seen on the right wing last season, arguably shines brightest in the No.10 role just behind the striker. Similarly, Christopher Nkunku, who has had stints on the flank, found his best form in a central role at RB Leipzig.
Journalist Simon Phillips highlighted that Maresca will be evaluating both Palmer and Nkunku for the No.10 spot, viewing them as potential midfielders in his setup.
Chelsea’s Midfield Depth
As Phillips noted on his Substack, Chelsea’s midfield boasts players like Lesley Ugochukwu, Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, and Carney Chukwuemeka. Adding Palmer and Nkunku to the midfield mix gives Maresca a wealth of options but also a complex decision-making process.
Who Should Be Chelsea’s No.10?
Palmer’s impressive stats from last season—25 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances—make a strong case for his role as an attacking midfielder. This level of productivity is precisely what Chelsea needs in the No.10 position.
However, Nkunku’s record is equally compelling. In his last season at Leipzig, he netted 23 goals in 36 games, demonstrating his effectiveness and goal-scoring prowess.
Balancing the Lineup
To accommodate both players, Maresca might opt to position Palmer on the right and designate Nkunku as the primary No.10. This strategy could hinge on whether Chelsea secures Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise this summer. If Olise joins the team, the selection process for the No.10 role becomes even more intricate.
In summary, Maresca’s first season with Chelsea will involve making pivotal decisions that could define the team’s success. Balancing talents like Palmer and Nkunku in the lineup will be crucial as Chelsea aims to return to the top echelons of English football.
