Chelsea have been busy in the summer transfer window, with a feeling the Stamford Bridge club can be a force to be reckoned with this season.
The Blues have started the Premier League season well, with four points from the West London club’s two opening games, which included the 5-1 thumping of West Ham United last weekend.
Chelsea signed Joao Pedro over the summer, along with the likes of Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens, with Enzo Maresca’s options in attack the envy of some of their rivals.
However, Maresca has asked Chelsea to sign a defender, especially as injuries have robbed the Italian of options at centre-half – but one man’s availability will nullify this need.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca gestures against Paris Saint-Germain
Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
Wesley Fofana’s return critical for Chelsea
Wesley Fofana has struggled for form and fitness since joining Chelsea from Leicester City for £70 million in August 2022.
The France international is very highly rated but has not managed more than 15 Premier League appearances for the Blues per season in the last three years.
Fofana came off the bench in Chelsea’s win over West Ham last weekend and the 24-year-old will hope to have put his injury woes behind him.
With Chelsea hosting Fulham in the early Premier League kick-off on Saturday, Fofana will hope to be reintegrated into the starting XI for the London derby.
Fofana can be Chelsea’s key man at the back
Chelsea have lacked a real leader at centre-back since the departure of Thiago Silva 12 months ago, despite having plenty of defenders on their books.
Maresca has fielded countless central defensive partnerships since taking over at Stamford Bridge, but the lack of a consistent pairing in the heart of his rearguard has hurt the Blues.
Wesley Fofana of France looks on before the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group B match between France and Greece at Stade de France on June 19, 2023
Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images
Looking at all Chelsea’s defenders, Fofana is the most rounded and has the potential to become a future captain of the West London club.
The France international’s pace and power, along with his reading of the game, make him a daunting opponent when he is fit and on form. As such, getting Fofana back into the Chelsea team – and keeping him there – will boost the London club’s chances of silverware this season.