The amount of new players arriving at Chelsea this season has given Enzo Maresca the difficult task of figuring out his best side.
The Blues are still figuring things out.
Maresca has rotated more than any Premier League manager this season in the effort to figure out how to best use his new stars at Chelsea.
That has attracted some criticism of late, with his side struggling so much for consistency.
At times, the vision has been clear and Chelsea have looked a world-class side, but there are other moments when it feels like he doesn’t quite know how to best use the weapons at his disposal.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro looking surprised
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Tony Cascarino isn’t convinced by Joao Pedro as a striker
Tony Cascarino was himself a striker at Stamford Bridge in the early 90s.
Now a football pundit, he has seen plenty of Chelsea this season and has pointed out a couple of issues with how Maresca’s side set up.
Appearing on the latest episode of The Game, Cascarino laid out his view on Joao Pedro.
He said: “I do think they have players that can get goals. But I’m not sure Joao Pedro is a centre forward.”
He’s not the first to make this claim. Pedro’s playstyle is not that of a traditional number nine, and it leaves Chelsea at a disadvantage at times.
It’s not that the Brazilian isn’t good enough to start, but it’s how he is being utilised that is raising concerns.
Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro silenced by Bournemouth…
Where do you think Pedro's best position is?
Cole Palmer of Chelsea and Alex Scott of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Chelsea
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Player Minutes xG Key passes Shots Dribbles (successful)
Cole Palmer 58 0.07 1 1 3 (2)
Joao Pedro 32 0 0 0 0 (0)
Via Sofascore
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
That’s not the only issue Cascarino has with the Blues right now. He is also worried about the inconsistency they have shown at times.
He continues: “Every time I’ve come away watching Chelsea, one week I’ve come away and gone, ‘They’re a decent side. They’re a good side. They’re dangerous. They can beat the very best Chelsea.’
“And the others I’ve come away and I can see why now they’re getting it wrong. I think centre-half positions is a real problem for Chelsea. They just don’t seem to have the players that can lead from that part of the pitch.”
Another familiar criticism.
Enzo Maresca’s hands are tied with Joao Pedro
While Cascarino definitely has a point about how Maresca is using Pedro, recent events have made it difficult for a change in approach.
Liam Delap goes of injured during Chelsea vs Bournemouth
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Liam Delap has picked up another injury, meaning Pedro’s presence leading the line is of vital importance.
There were talks of a potential addition in January, but Chelsea are electing not to recall Emanuel Emegha. They also don’t appear to be looking to sign another striker, so it seems they feel Pedro can cover alongside Marc Guiu.
Cascarino is right about Pedro being better suited to a role playing deeper and linking up play, but for now, he will have to keep doing a job up top.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox