Enzo Maresca faces a dilemma with Chelsea’s midfield options overflowing, including star acquisitions Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo, alongside the elegant Roméo Lavia. However, fitting them all into the starting lineup is a challenge, especially with Cole Palmer occupying a No 10 role. Maresca has experimented with various formations, at times shifting players out of position to accommodate everyone, with mixed results.

During the Club World Cup, Chelsea’s performance against Flamengo raised concerns as the team struggled and faced a disappointing defeat. Fans questioned Maresca’s tactical decisions, particularly involving Reece James and the absence of certain talented midfielders like Andrey Santos. The competition for playing time is intense, with players like Santos eager to prove themselves despite limited opportunities.

Additionally, new signings like Dário Essugo are keen to establish themselves and contribute to Chelsea’s success. Essugo, a defensive midfielder with ambitions to shine in the box-to-box role, brings a fresh dynamic to the team. Chelsea’s strategic recruitment approach, reminiscent of Brighton’s early talent acquisitions, reflects a calculated effort to secure promising prospects.

As Chelsea navigates through challenges and tough decisions, Maresca’s ability to effectively manage the talented midfield pool and integrate new signings will be crucial for the team’s success in upcoming campaigns, including the demanding Champions League fixtures. The pieces are in place for Chelsea; now, it’s up to Maresca to orchestrate them into a winning combination.