Enzo Maresca is fortunate enough to have a Chelsea squad filled with plenty of young talent. In fact, Troy Deeney has highlighted one Blues star as one of the best around in his position.
From a Chelsea perspective, they have centred their transfer strategy recently around signing elite rising stars. They may feel that their vision is finally coming into focus as well, winning two trophies and securing fourth in the Premier League last season.
Chelsea’s owners want another top-four finish in the league during Enzo Maresca’s second season in charge, but perhaps the optimistic supporters are dreaming of even greater success.
Pundit Troy Deeney during game between Newcastle and Arsenal
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Troy Deeney rates Wesley Fofana as one of the world’s best centre-backs
According to former Premier League striker Troy Deeney, Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana has the ability to be “one of the best” central defenders in the world when he’s fit and firing.
Deeney told talkSPORT: “They’ve got Fofana back. If he can stay fit, and it’s a massive if, in my opinion, he’s one of the best centre-backs in world football, not just in the Premier League.”
Of course, Fofana’s biggest problem since he joined Chelsea for £70m (BBC) from Leicester City three years ago has been his fitness.
We agree that the 24-year-old Frenchman has all the traits of a top-class centre-back. However, he’s played just 34 games across all competitions during three seasons for the Blues.
Season Appearances
2024/25 14
2023/24 0
2022/23 20
Wesley Fofana’s record at Chelsea across all competitions
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Chelsea head coach Maresca absolutely loves Fofana, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see him play a key role in the new season if he’s fit.
Even though he’s still under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2029, it does feel like it may be the last chance saloon before supporters give up on him because of the poor injury record. Perhaps he can take encouragement from seeing Blues teammate Reece James bounce back superbly well in 2025 from his injury problems.
Wesley Fofana playing for Chelsea against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Levi Colwill’s injury piles even more pressure on Wesley Fofana
Now that Blues defender Levi Colwill is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with his ACL injury, Chelsea need Fofana back and playing more than ever.
In fairness, Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah are quality centre-backs in the squad who should start the season together. We’re confident they could form a solid partnership in the opening weeks of the new campaign, too.
In the long term, Fofana’s return feels massive for the outcome of Chelsea’s season.
Maresca confirmed Fofana may be available against Crystal Palace, but we would factor in that he’s not played any football since March. Therefore, it may be the sensible move to slowly reintegrate him like they’ve done with James.
On his day, Fofana has proven as a talented young centre-half he can perform to the highest level, but he’s reaching a crossroads in his Chelsea career.