Enzo Maresca has quite a few wingers to choose from for Chelsea’s upcoming game against Nottingham Forest.
Estevao Willian, Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens and Tyrique George should all be available for the trip to the City Ground.
Estevao has really impressed during this international break, scoring two goals in Brazil’s 5-0 win against South Korea last Friday. Carlo Ancelotti was very impressed with Estevao, stating that he had a good game.
The Brazilian is not the only Chelsea star who has shone for his country, though.
Jamie Gittens during England U21s vs Andorra U21s
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Jamie Gittens starred for England Under-21s in win against Andorra
Gittens has been with England’s Under-21 side, and the former Borussia Dortmund star has not disappointed.
Gittens has not made an impact in a blue shirt yet, but he was excellent for England U21s in their 1-0 win against Andorra on Monday.
He set up Chelsea teammate George and caused Andorra’s backline a lot of problems. His stats were really impressive.
For example, Gittens managed to make five key passes. He also created three big chances for Lee Carsley’s team.
Jamie Gittens vs Andorra U21s Total
Minutes 68
Assists 1
Big chances created 3
Key passes 5
Crosses (accurate) 6 (3)
Accurate passes 39/44 (89%)
Passes in opposition half (accurate) 42/50 (84%)
Long balls (accurate) 3/4 (75%)
Total shots 3
Ground duels (won) 13 (7)
Via Sofascore
Paul Merson has criticised Gittens for his underwhelming start at Chelsea, as have other pundits.
Merson and other Chelsea supporters would probably prefer to see Garnacho or Neto start on the left at the City Ground on Saturday, but Gittens may have given his chances of being named in Maresca‘s first XI a boost with his display at Pride Park.
Chelsea wingers Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian hugging
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca should give Jamie Gittens shot against Nottingham Forest
Garnacho played well in Chelsea’s last outing against Liverpool. Conor Bradley could not cope with the Argentina international and had to be taken off at half-time.
Now that Maresca has seen what Garnacho is capable of, it may be worth giving Gittens an opportunity against a struggling Forest side.
By doing so, the Chelsea manager may get to see what the 21-year-old can really do.
Chelsea paid Dortmund an initial £48m fee to sign Gittens, which is not a small amount of money. But the talent that he displayed for the England U21s in their recent game shows there is a player there.