Ben Chilwell’s future at Chelsea is under serious scrutiny as new Blues boss Enzo Maresca hints at changes for the upcoming season. According to reports from The Telegraph, the England international might find himself surplus to the requirements at Stamford Bridge, with Maresca eyeing players capable of handling multiple roles.
Tactical Flexibility Key for Maresca
In a recent press conference, Maresca shed light on his tactical preferences, emphasizing the importance of versatility among his players. “We won’t necessarily invert the left. I have seen a lot of Reece James and he can do that, and we have been trying it. And Malo Gusto can do it as well. But so can Marc [Cucurella] and Renato [Veiga]. So we are trying both [sides],” Maresca explained. This statement underscores his commitment to exploring different formations and roles, potentially sidelining traditional full-backs like Chilwell.
Experimentation and Adaptation
Maresca, in an exclusive interview with football.london, elaborated on the experimental phase the team is undergoing. “In these weeks, we try different situations. We try [Reece] James inside. I watched his games [for Wigan Athletic on loan] against, I don’t remember now, he was playing as a midfielder,” he shared. This experimentation could lead to significant shifts in the squad’s structure, potentially reducing the reliance on specialized full-backs.
Upcoming Friendly Against Wrexham
The Blues are set to take on Wrexham on Wednesday, a match that could offer further insights into Maresca’s evolving strategies. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing the lineup and tactical choices, particularly regarding Chilwell’s role, if any.
As Chelsea prepares for the 2024/25 season under new management, the potential departure of Ben Chilwell signals a broader shift towards tactical flexibility and multi-role players. Maresca’s willingness to experiment and adapt could redefine the team’s dynamics, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming friendly against Wrexham for clues about the future setup.