There were some raised eyebrows after Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca decided to start Axel Disasi against Everton at the weekend.
Many anticipated that Renato Veiga would deputise for the suspended Marc Cucurella but Maresca opted to play Malo Gusto on the left-hand side of defence, with Disasi filling in on the right. A considerable number of supporters on X questioned Maresca’s decision to select the Frenchman after the final whistle:
Literally makes us look like we are playing with 10 men. Offers nothing
— MrChelseaFans (@MrChelseaFan) December 22, 2024
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Needs to go in january
— ðððð¢ð¨ (@abdou_Drame10) December 22, 2024
His lack of pace was exposed throughout the game. He is only good at conners in the opposition box.
— Mazi Uche Okeụdọ (@anasuachara) December 22, 2024
Don’t know what veiga have to do to get on that left back as an inverted player in the premier league
— EmmaCfc (@petithazard2) December 22, 2024
I was about to collapse because of his horror movies
— Troll Rwanda❤️ððºðºðºð¸ (@Troll_in_Rwanda) December 22, 2024
He should leave please!!!
— Biig vibes ð§ðª (@josephxavier96_) December 22, 2024
Disasi did not put in a terrible performance
Some fans have been rather harsh about Disasi’s inclusion in the starting eleven at Goodison Park. Considering that he was going up against the tricky Iliman Ndiaye, he actually coped pretty well.
You could argue that he didn’t close down the Everton forward sufficiently when he created Jack Harrison’s chance from a cross in the second half but that was his only real error.
Chelsea do need more cover at fullback
It is important to point out that Disasi is more comfortable at centre-half so Maresca’s decision to play him on the right flank arguably stemmed from a lack of options.
Reece James’s absence due to injury doesn’t help matters and there could be an argument for going into the market and bringing in a new right-back in January if the right target can be found.
Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here