Even though he’s only been in senior management for a few years, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has already coached plenty of talented footballers.
Enzo Maresca, 45, had a brief spell in Italy with Parma. In England, he guided Leicester City to the Championship title and promotion during one year at the King Power Stadium before becoming Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024.
During his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge, the Italian head coach won the Conference League and Club World Cup with the Blues.
Andre Villas-Boas has praised Maresca as a great coach who’s done a superb job so far during his first 15 months in charge.
Enzo Maresca running a Chelsea training session at Cobham
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca names Cole Palmer as the best he’s coached
While speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Maresca showered praise on current Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella.
When asked to name the best player he’s coached, Maresca responded: “Cole Palmer.”
Of course, the duo have worked so successfully together at Chelsea. Maresca was also the assistant manager at Manchester City when Palmer was coming through the ranks at the Etihad Stadium, too.
Maresca was also asked to name the most likeable player he’s ever coached. His response: “[Marc] Cucurella.”
Palmer, who cost Chelsea £40m (Sky Sports), has been an inspired signing. In 101 appearances for them, he’s scored 45 goals and created 29 assists.
Palmer could miss four more games with his groin injury after the international break, which is a significant blow to the Blues.
When he’s fit and firing, the left-footed playmaker is one of the world’s best individuals. He underlined that by finishing eighth spot in the recent Ballon d’Or award.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca in conversation with Cole Palmer.
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
The top five appearance makers under Enzo Maresca
Let’s take a look at which players Maresca has used the most during his managerial career to date.
Player Clubs Appearances
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 2 (Leicester City, Chelsea) 85
Cole Palmer 2 (Chelsea, Manchester City U21s) 72
Marc Cucurella 1 (Chelsea) 64
Enzo Fernandez 1 (Chelsea) 63
Pedro Neto 1 (Chelsea) 61
Players with the most appearances under Enzo Maresca
As you can see above, Palmer has been a major part of Maresca’s coaching career. When you consider that, along with his obvious talent, it’s no surprise he’s praised the Englishman.