Chelsea’s risky transfer strategy might leave Maresca lacking in crucial areas
Many of Chelsea’s contributions came in lower-tier cup competitions, but they were still vital in reducing the workload on Maresca’s first-choice players during the Thursday-Sunday cycle.
It’s hard to believe Chelsea’s form didn’t suffer after the Conference League group stage ended in mid-December, when the Italian manager could no longer rely on giving his key players week-long rest between matches. Their recent 1-0 win over West Ham was just their second victory in eight league games since then.
Some mitigating factors help alleviate this challenge.
Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George have broken through from the academy, while Reece James, who missed much of the first half of the season, is now fit (though depending on his fitness is still risky). Also, once they recover from injuries, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile will add depth to the center-back positions.
Indeed, Chelsea still boasts an exceptionally deep squad, especially when compared to most teams.
Chelsea regained a top-four position with a 2-1 win over West Ham on Monday, but Maresca will worry about the thin areas in the squad.
Arsenal are relying on five fit attackers, one of whom is only 17, to secure their hopes in both the Champions League and Premier League; Chelsea, in contrast, have eight players to help them fight for the Conference League and top-four finishes.
On paper, Maresca still has two contenders for nearly every position and likely enough players to maintain his approach of significant rotation when European knockout games begin next month. However, he may start fielding stronger lineups as the competition intensifies.
However, deeper analysis reveals concerns about some areas that are stretched thin.
One such area is the midfield base. After Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia’s injury issues are well known, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has also been injured, seems to be the backup, despite Maresca having previously stated this was not his preferred role.
“He’s playing in the right pocket, left pocket, or behind the striker,” said Maresca, who also coached Dewsbury-Hall at Leicester last season, when asked in November about the Englishman’s best position. “This, for me, is Kiernan’s position.”
In attack, Chelsea may still be one player short, even with Maresca suggesting more prominent roles for youngsters George and Marc Guiu. Much will depend on how reserve striker Christopher Nkunku adapts, especially now that he looks to be the backup to Cole Palmer at No10.