Enzo Maresca has put Reece James alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield today to face Newcastle at St James’ Park.
It makes sense, given it adds some physicality against one of the nastiest midfields in the league. But where’s Andrey Santos? He’s a big lad with plenty of quality too. Before the game, Maresca explained that he thought of the Brazilian as a defensive midfielder:
“At the moment, I don’t think we’ve a natural replacement for Enzo. We’ve adapted Andrey Santos, but Andrey is more of a no.6, Moi’s position, than Enzo…”
Maresca changes his mind over player’s position
Andrey Santos in action against Burnley.
Andrey Santos in action against Burnley. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images.)
Fair enough. Makes sense. But then you remember what Maresca said not long ago, it’s very confusing. Back in the summer, after working with the Brazilian in preseason, the manager had quite the opposite opinion:
“[Santos] is working well with us, and had a good season with Strasbourg. I see him more like Enzo Fernandez, as an attacking midfielder, not a defensive midfielder. He’s more like Enzo than Moi or Lavia.”
Of course managers can change their take on players, but one would think that after a year of watching Santos on loan, Maresca would have had a better idea of his game to not then change 180 degrees in a few months.
Right now it feels like he doesn’t rate him or trust him as an 8 or a 10. It’s tricky to create a pathway for a player when even his manager isn’t sure what he wants from him.
In other news…
Chelsea aren’t far away from a title challenge, at least in terms of the personnel, according to Peter Crouch and Joe Cole on TNT Sports today. We wonder if Maresca could agree with that?
The big news from today’s teams is Enzo Fernandez being dropped by Enzo Maresca. The Argentine looks knackered and could do with a break, but it’s still a big call from the coach.
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Andrey Santos celebrates his latest Chelsea appearance.
A generic group of Chelsea players celebrate with Liam Delap after his goal.
Moises Caicedo in midfield.