Paul Merson thinks that there are plenty of holes in Chelsea’s squad right now.
Even though the Chelsea owners have invested heavily to assemble the current Blues squad, they may still be a way off winning all the biggest trophies.
In fairness, Enzo Maresca’s side did lift two pieces of silverware last season, winning both the Club World Cup and Conference League. It has been an inconsistent start to the 2025-26 campaign, though.
Maresca’s assessment of the Chelsea squad is that it’s not good enough right now to compete in both the Champions League and Premier League.
Enzo Maresca and his coaching staff on the Chelsea bench during the Premier League match against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Paul Merson’s criticism of the Chelsea squad
According to Paul Merson, the pundit and Chelsea fan, the Blues squad may not be as great as people actually claim.
Merson told Sky Sports: “I like the options Chelsea have in the centre of their defence. The likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Josh Acheampong have done well, but they are all young players.
“I don’t think Levi Colwill would have come through as well as he has without having Thiago Silva to help him. It’s important for young defenders to have that sort of foil to learn from. That’s why I think Chelsea need to bring in an experienced defender to try and help the young players they have progress further.
“Then there’s the goalkeeper. Robert Sanchez is a good shot-stopper but I think he’s always got a mistake in him.
“In midfield, they’ve got one of the best in Moises Caicedo but up front, I think the decision to let Nicolas Jackson leave is coming back to bite Chelsea a bit. Marc Guiu wasn’t up to the task against Sunderland. To only touch the ball nine or 10 times when you are playing for a dominant team, that’s not good enough. Joao Pedro is also not training much as he manages an injury.
“It leaves Chelsea short, and I think it shows that squad is not as great as everyone makes out.”
Similarly, Danny Murphy’s verdict on Chelsea is that they are crying out to add some experience to their young squad of players. However, that doesn’t fit with the club’s transfer strategy.
Although we agree that there are still a few positions that need upgrades, the Blues still have the kind of depth that most Premier League clubs are jealous of.
Without a doubt, Chelsea’s group should be securing a top-four finish in the league as a minimum.
Chelsea players in a huddle before facing Sunderland in the Premier League.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The positions at Chelsea that concern Enzo Maresca
Back in September, reports claimed that Chelsea head coach Maresca was concerned about two positions in the squad, goalkeeper and centre-back.
Let’s wait and see if the Blues decide to act in 2026 by bringing in more reinforcements.
In terms of the goalkeeper spot, Robert Sanchez has received plenty of public criticism during his time at Stamford Bridge, but he’s now into his third season in west London. Chelsea want to keep the pathway open for Belgian keeper Mike Penders, who’s currently out on loan at Strasbourg, so perhaps he can be the long-term answer.
As for central defender, Maresca was dealt a rough hand when Levi Colwill suffered an ACL injury on the first day of pre-season. He can help himself out this season if he sticks with a settled defensive partnership, though.