Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca caught a number of people by surprise with a decision made surrounding his Manchester City side, with his Marc Guehi call paying off in the end.
The former Chelsea academy star has spent his career at centre-back, although Maresca started him in midfield for their first game of the season against Bournemouth.
City came from behind to win 2-1, with his Guehi experiment paying off as the England international scored to level the game.
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Enzo Maresca could have used Marc Guehi experiment with Josh Acheampong at Chelsea
Maresca never tried anything as bold as this at Stamford Bridge, with the closest being his use of Reece James in midfield, although this was to do with protecting his fitness.
When looking at the Chelsea squad Maresca had available to him, there was an opportunity for him to pull off the same experiment with Josh Acheampong, who struggled desperately for opportunities under the Italian.
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If Maresca had more faith in James at right-back, then Acheampong could have found a position in the heart of midfield where his brilliance on the ball was allowed to thrive even more.
This has been part of the reason why managers have been comfortable using the youngster at centre-back, despite him coming through the academy as a right-back.
Playing more regularly under Maresca could have put Acheampong in a very different position ahead of the arrival of Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge.
Acheampong’s status at Chelsea under Xabi Alonso
It has previously been reported that Acheampong’s family in particular are concerned that promises about the youngster’s playing time have not been met recently at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso has made it clear he doesn’t want to lose Acheampong, who frequently appeared during the club’s pre-season tour.
The Spaniard’s desire to play a back three could play straight into the defender’s hands, with him featuring across the defence during his short first team career so far.
Or, with Enzo Fernandez still potentially leaving this summer, maybe a move into midfield could still be on the cards for the youngster in the future.