Enzo Maresca has endured somewhat of an injury crisis in the final third at Chelsea over the last couple of weeks, having to fill the void at the top end with players operating out of position.
Nicolas Jackson, who has been the club’s number-one centre-forward option, has been missing since the start of February with a thigh injury, missing the last eight games in all competitions.
As for backup option Marc Guiu, he’s also mirrored the Senegalese international, after picking up a hamstring issue after the triumph over West Ham United nearly two months ago.
Chelsea's Marc Guiu reacts after sustaining an injury
The boss has often opted for youth to fill the position, even handing teenager Shum Mheuka his first professional start, but it’s evident that he needs more time before starting in the first team.
As a result, he’s opted to utilise a duo out of position, but they’ve so far been unable to impress and provide the goods in the absence of the aforementioned Jackson and Guiu.
Maresca’s experiment with Neto & Nkunku as a number nine
Winger Pedro Neto is just one player who’s operated in an unfamiliar central role in recent weeks, with the 25-year-old’s profile unfortunately not fitting the bill.
His main asset is his pace and being able to beat a man, with such a skill being neutralised down the middle, with the centre-forward often having to operate with his back to goal.
Pedro-Neto-Chelsea-Premier-League-Fulham
He’s only registered one goal since the switch from his wide position, with Maresca desperately needing to move him back to the flank to get the best out of his game.
As for Christopher Nkunku, he’s had to suffer as a result, taking up the position vacated by Neto on the left-hand side, and matching the Portuguese international’s tally since featuring in such a role.
The Frenchman’s ability to run beyond the striker is rarely seen out wide, often liking to play off a talisman who’s able to feed the ball into his path rather than being the focal point himself.
As a result, the Italian needs to operate with Neto out off the left, with Nkunku dropping into the number ten position, opening the door for a new player to stake his claim for a starting role in the number nine position.
How Maresca can solve his Nkunku & Neto problem
There’s no denying that the Blues are desperately craving a new striker, with the hierarchy needing to get their chequebook out to provide the manager with the funds to improve the situation.
enzo-maresca-chelsea-premier-league
However, with Champions League qualification still on the horizon, it’s pivotal that Maresca utilises the players in their best positions, whilst handing other stars the chance to recapture their best form.
Cole Palmer has been the club’s main talisman over the last couple of years, but has endured a torrid run of recent form, failing to register a goal or assist in any of his last nine outings.
As a result, the manager could look to play the England international in a number nine role in an attempt to recapture his best form that has seen him notch 60 combined goals and assists in two seasons.
It may seem like a far-fetched option given his frame and figure, but his stats from the ongoing season are evidence he has the tools to operate in such a position.
Cole Palmer's stats for Chelsea in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Shots on target
Fouls won
Dribble success
Stats via FotMob
Palmer - an "absolute genius" in the eyes of Joe Cole - has registered an average of 1.6 shots on target per 90 in the Premier League this season, by far and away the highest of any player in the first-team squad.
He’s also achieved a pass accuracy of 82% and created an average of 2.6 chances per 90, having the tools to still create opportunities for his teammates if he operated at the top end.
cole-palmer-chelse
His tally of two fouls per 90 showcases that he has the ability to draw players in, opening up the space in behind for the likes of Nkunku to exploit in behind with his third-man runs.
With just a couple of months left to go this campaign, it’s imperative that the club end the season on a high and achieve a top four finish to secure a return to the Champions League.
Palmer is in desperate need of a break in front of a goal given his run, potentially able to return to his former heights, whilst also allowing Neto and Nkunku to produce the goods in their more natural surroundings.
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