A number of eyebrows were raised when Enzo Maresca named his starting side for the Conference League final against Real Betis.
It was already known that Filip Jorgensen would start the game, however Levi Colwill and Reece James were among those who were forced to start from the bench.
Colwill shared how being on the bench actually helped him, but it has to be said that Chelsea were not able to show their class in the 4-1 win until substitutions were made.
The Cobham graduates and Jadon Sancho made the biggest impact on the game, however even Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall made the most of his 10 minutes on the pitch.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca’s late substitution surely means Chelsea man’s Blues career is over
In the 87th minute, Maresca turned to Marc Guiu to replace the brilliant Cole Palmer. The Spaniard was making his first appearance of any kind in nearly four months.
He was preferred to come on by the manager to Christopher Nkunku, despite the Frenchman also impressing during the Conference League campaign this season.
Gabby Agbonlahor has already told Chelsea to sell Nkunku now they have qualified for the Champions League, with him struggling to make a real impact domestically during this campaign.
Given the fact that Maresca decided not to bring him into the fray at any point during the final, it can be considered realistic to believe that the Frenchman has already played his last game for Chelsea.
Photo by Aitor Alcalde - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Aitor Alcalde – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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Clubs interested in Christopher Nkunku
Despite not having his best season, there is no shortage of top sides who are interested in bringing in the attacker this summer.
Bayern Munich have been in talks to sign Nkunku after having a strong interest in signing him in the January transfer window.
Arsenal have also been linked to Nkunku, with them not shy to sign an underperforming Chelsea player in the past.
The Gunners brought in Kai Havertz from Stamford Bridge, whilst also taking a punt on Raheem Sterling on loan, a deal which didn’t work out how they would have liked.