There were several positives as Chelsea continued their winning streak in the Conference League yesterday.
Chelsea secured a 2-0 away victory on Thursday evening against German club Heidenheim, which makes it four wins from four in this season’s Conference League group stage phase.
The Blues went through their toughest examination in Europe so far this campaign, but second-half goals from Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk earned three points.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca continued his trend of wholesale changes between different competitions, making 10 changes against Heidenheim from the team that beat Leicester City in the Premier League last weekend.
Jadon Sancho of Chelsea FC (C) in action with Paul Wanner of Heidenheim and Norman Theuerkauf of Heidenheim during the UEFA Conference League 2024/...
Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca claims Jadon Sancho is crucial to Chelsea
Maresca was extremely complimentary of Chelsea’s Jadon Sancho after his midweek display versus Heidenheim in the Conference League. In fact, he’s hinted that the 24-year-old winger will play a big part in his side moving forward.
“Jadon Sancho did a very good game,” Maresca said in his post-match press conference via Football.London.
“I said since we started, Jadon is very important to us. He is very important. He has to be fit, mentally and physically; he is going to help us a lot. Unfortunately, we did not use him in the last few games but he is showing now how important he is to us.
“Especially against the teams that defend in the low block, we need that quality in the last third. Sometimes he will shoot more but I think he is going to help us a lot.”
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Sancho was the real hero in Chelsea’s win over Heidenheim with his eye-catching performance on the right wing.
The English attacker, who was making his first start since October because of a mix of injuries, illness, and tactical reasons, seized his opportunity to impress.
He chalked up his fifth assist of the season for the Blues after picking out Mudryk with a fantastic pass that he pulled back.
Jadon Sancho shines vs Heidenheim
Sancho is surely in with a shout of starting Sunday’s league match at home to Aston Villa after his impressive European outing.
The English wide man put in a great attacking performance in the Conference League:
Minutes played Assists Total shots Successful dribbles Touches Accurate passes Chances created Match rating
89 1 1 3/6 (50%) 61 44/48 (92%) 2 8.2
Jadon Sancho statistics against Heidenheim via FOTMOB
Sancho is the type of creative forward that his teammates should love playing alongside. In fact, Sancho has a great connection on the pitch with Chelsea’s Nkunku, and he was heavily involved in the build-up for his goal yesterday.
It’s just a reminder that Maresca has an embarrassment of riches to choose from each game, especially in the forward positions.
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