Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy thinks Enzo Maresca has a tactical problem when it comes to putting Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo in the same starting XI. The expert says the squad’s depth is a good thing, but finding a balanced system that works for all three star midfielders remains a big problem for the Italian coach.
This season, Maresca has often changed up his midfield options, putting Fernandez in a more advanced role when Palmer was out. This change has allowed club captain Reece James to play in midfield alongside Caicedo from time to time, adding more physicality to the game.
This has worked in important games. But now that all of these key players are back in shape, people are starting to wonder if the team can still defend sufficiently with the three of them on the field at the same time.
Cundy discussed the specific selection problem the Blues boss is facing on talkSPORT’s Inside Chelsea show, where he said:
“The problem he has got, and this is a nice problem, how do you get Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo in the same midfield? Fine, that’s not difficult, but then Cole Palmer as a 10.”
The former Blue also said that competition for spots will get even tougher in wide areas, especially on the right side, where Estevao will compete with established stars.
“The next question you’ve got is where’s Estevao play and where’s Pedro Neto play because they both want to play on that right-hand side?”
For the time being, though, Maresca’s choices will be based on who is available instead of strategy. Palmer won’t be able to play in the Champions League match against Atalanta because he needs to get better. Caicedo won’t be able to play in the Premier League match against Everton this weekend because he is suspended.
Because of these forced absences, the manager won’t have to make a final choice about his best midfield setup until later this month, when he might be able to use all three stars against teams where Chelsea is expected to have most of the ball.
A look ahead to Chelsea vs. Atalanta
Chelsea are going to Bergamo tonight to play Atalanta in the Champions League. They want to keep their European momentum going even though Cole Palmer is out. The England international didn’t travel with the team because the club is still figuring out how to handle his workload after he had some fitness problems.
Even though Palmer is out, Enzo Maresca gets a big boost from the fact that Moises Caicedo is available. The Ecuadorian midfielder is currently serving a domestic suspension after receiving a red card against Arsenal. However, the ban does not apply to European competitions, so he can play in Italy.
Atalanta are a tough opponent because they play disciplined European football and have a strict man-marking system under Raffaele Palladino. The Serie A team will try to take advantage of any lack of teamwork in a Chelsea team that has been rotated, but the Blues will be confident because they have done well in Europe recently.