Enzo Maresca has made a strong impression since taking charge at Chelsea, bringing a clear identity and structure to his side. However, as the season unfolds, one issue has already stood out, and that is the need for more depth and quality at centre-back.
Instead of relying on reshuffling his current squad, Maresca has made it clear he prefers to bring in a fresh face, which could make an instant improvement to the starting 11.
We may also find that online bookmakers will provide more favourable EPL betting winning odds for Chelsea if they end up signing a well-established, world-class star to fill the position.
Here is a closer look at some of the possible reasons for bringing in new talent.
Five reasons for buying a new centre-back rather than finding an internal solution
This decision has raised eyebrows among some supporters, especially those who believe some existing players could be adapted to fill the gap. However, there are several reasons why the manager is leaning towards the transfer market rather than patching things up internally.
Here are five examples:
A seasoned centre-back brings authority and composure that converted players may lack
Central defence requires positioning and awareness that only natural defenders consistently possess
Shifting players into unfamiliar positions can weaken other areas of the pitch
A permanent signing provides reliability beyond a short-term fix
Maresca wants defenders who can play his brand of football, not just fill a gap
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons behind the thinking.
Central defense
Central defence is not a position where you can simply ‘make do.’ Mistakes there often lead directly to goals, and a manager like Maresca, who builds his teams on structure and possession, cannot afford to gamble.
By targeting a new centre-back, he is not only addressing a problem but also reinforcing the foundations of his system while he remains at the helm at Chelsea.
Confidence
Another important factor is confidence within the dressing room. Players feel more secure when they know there is a natural defender behind them, someone who lives and breathes that role.
Asking midfielders or full-backs to slot into the middle might work for a game or two, but over a long season, it risks unsettling the team.
Tactical decision
There is also the tactical side. Maresca insists on defenders who are comfortable on the ball, capable of stepping out and starting attacks.
This is not a skill every player can develop overnight, no matter how versatile they are. Therefore, by signing someone tailor-made for the role, he ensures his preferred style of play doesn’t have to be compromised.
What do fans think?
Fans often love the idea of a home-grown solution, whether it is a youth player stepping up or a senior pro adapting to a new role. However, in the unforgiving environment of modern football, managers are judged on results.
For Maresca, the safest bet is to invest in a centre-back who is already proven, rather than take chances with less experienced players.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, this approach shows his ambition. It is not about avoiding risk for its own sake—it is about raising standards.
By pushing for a proper signing, Maresca is signalling that he wants his side to compete at the highest level, with no weak links. In football, that sort of approach can make all the difference.