Enzo Maresca enjoyed another reunion with Leicester City as his Chelsea side beat the Foxes at Stamford Bridge.
Whilst several Leicester stars impressed against Chelsea it was the Blues who took the three points as Marc Cucurella’s second half effort was the difference.
Maresca admitted he still speaks to Leicester’s players before the game and embraced several of them at full time, as well as acknowledge the travelling Foxes supporters.
The same can’t be said for Wesley Fofana though, who was jeered by travelling fans as they sang an x-rated chant directed towards the Frenchman.
But there was one player in particular that caught the eye for the former Leicester boss and he was very complimentary towards him.
Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca praises Mads Hermansen for Leicester performance
There’s no denying that the standout performer in the Leicester XI was Mads Hermansen.
Hermansen wowed Mark Schwarzer after saving Cole Palmer’s penalty, bringing an end to Palmer’s 100 per cent success rate from 12 yards out since making his professional debut.
If it wasn’t for the 24-year-old there was every chance that Chelsea may have been able to add to their scoresheet.
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And even though Luke Thomas was a standout for Leicester, it was Hermansen that Maresca singled out.
He told Match of the Day: “We need to change the plan before the warm-up and this is why we are so happy because we adapted. Don’t forget that Leicester against Arsenal for 80 minutes was 0-0. It’s not easy. We created enough to be one goal ahead of them.
“The Leicester keeper is brilliant and Cole is going to score more penalties and miss more.”
Mads Hermansen stats vs Chelsea
Saves – 7
Goals prevented – 0.46
Penalties saved – 1
Saves inside the box – 4
Punches – 0
Stats via Sofascore
Chelsea is a likely destination for Mads Hermansen
The Denmark international is expected to be one of the many Leicester players who will leave in the summer, largely because of his quality, making him a valuable asset.
Maresca wanted Hermansen last summer and when speaking about his goalkeeping issues at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea boss’ comments hinted that Hermansen would be on his radar.
It seems like the move is a match made in heaven for the two and it’s hard to see the goalkeeper ending up anywhere else.
Sure, other clubs may become interested, but the potential lure of Champions League football, a manager he knows and the number one spot would be too good to turn down.