Mamadou Sarr has already proved the former coach Enzo Maresca wrong in a very short time at Chelsea. Sarr has already impressed the fans by showing his huge skills within the game time Rosenior gave him. It would be interesting to see how the coach, Rosenior, manages Sarr in the upcoming games.
Mamadou Sarr has wasted no time in making a mockery of Enzo Maresca’s claims that he would need significant time to adapt to the Premier League. With the 20-year-old producing a defensive masterclass just days after his return to Stamford Bridge. Liam Rosenior’s decision to bring Mamadou Sarr back to Chelsea was a popular one, but it took a bit of shuffling around, as Aaron Anselmino went to Strasbourg as his replacement. Chelsea have had their fair share of defensive issues, struggling to keep the same center-back partnership at times. But Liam Rosenior now has a pool of five defenders that he can call upon.
Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana have been preferred when fit. Although Sarr has forced his way into the reckoning with his record-breaking display against Hull City. It’s early days, but Sarr is already proving Maresca wrong. Back in the summer, Enzo Maresca said that Mamadou Sarr will need time, but Liam Delap was primed and ready for action in the summer. “They are three talents. I trained Delap in the Under 21s of City.”
Sarr and Chelsea vs Hull City
A Pedro Neto hat trick fired Chelsea into the FA Cup fifth round with a comfortable win at Championship Hull City. Back at a snowy MKM Stadium, Blues boss Liam Rosenior, a former Hull player and manager, had to wait until the 40th minute for his side to make the most of their dominance with the opening goal. A lovely interchange of passes ended with Neto whipping a left-footed strike from just outside the box into the corner.
The Portugal international then doubled Chelsea‘s lead five minutes after the break in bizarre circumstances. Neto’s swerving in-swinging corner evaded everyone and nestled into the net after bouncing through Hull keeper Dillon Phillips’ legs.
Brazilian teenager Estevao made up for an earlier poor miss by slotting home in the 59th minute following clever hold-up play from Liam Delap. Who spent a season on loan with the Tigers when Rosenior was in charge? Eight time FA Cup winners Chelsea will find out their fifth-round opponents before Macclesfield hosts Brentford in Monday night’s game.
High hopes from the Stamford Bridge
Mamadou Sarr has made an immediate mockery of Enzo Maresca’s earlier caution, proving that the acclimatization warning issued during his 2025 signing was perhaps overly conservative. Maresca had previously suggested that the 6 ft 4 in defender, while talented, would require a patient integration period to handle the Premier League’s physical intensity.
However, just days after being recalled from his loan at Strasbourg, Sarr delivered a world-class performance in the FA Cup against Hull City. Finishing the match with a 96% pass accuracy and 8 recoveries. The youngster has said that his AFCON-winning experience with Senegal has prepared him for the elite level far sooner than Maresca’s tactical blueprint had predicted. Although, the big test will come in the Premier League.
Having represented France for the crux of his youth career, the talented youngster has now decided to play for Senegal and has been included in their squad for their upcoming friendly against Brazil at the Emirates Stadium. Sarr previously captained France’s U17s and was part of the Les Bleus youth side. He won the U17 European Championships in 2022.
Author’s insight
From the author’s point of view, the London Blues might have done the right job in taking back Sarr. In a very short time, Sarr has already proved that he can perfectly fit into Liam Rosenior’s system.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
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