From Mauricio Pochettino’s free-flowing football to Enzo Maresca’s disciplined, Pep Guardiola-inspired approach, Chelsea are set for yet another transformation this summer. The new manager’s arrival promises a fresh style and approach at Stamford Bridge.
Despite Maresca’s relatively small body of work, his principles and methods are clear. He typically operates with a 4-3-3 formation on paper, which transitions into a 3-2-5 shape in possession and presses from a 4-1-4-1 base. This tactical setup is a significant departure from Pochettino’s style, which focused more on player freedom and creativity, particularly empowering players like Cole Palmer to make attacking decisions. In contrast, Maresca emphasizes a build-up play style, utilizing field overloads and filling the five channels of attack, drawing teams out, and cutting through them with precise passing sequences.
Given the drastic shift from Chelsea’s recent playing style, there are understandable questions about how this new approach will look in practice. While it’s possible to envision an intriguing blueprint for Maresca’s best XI using the current squad, changes are inevitable.
## Goalkeeper
**Diogo Costa:** The goalkeeper is crucial in Maresca’s system for ball progression from the back. Chelsea’s current senior goalkeepers lack proficiency with their feet, making a new No.1 a priority. Diogo Costa, one of Europe’s top-performing keepers, is in demand and has been linked with Chelsea. Although he might cost up to £85 million, his Champions League performances justify the investment.
### Defense
**Reece James:** Despite Malo Gusto’s solid performances last season, Reece James remains the first-choice right-back when fit. James can also play as a right center-back, offering Maresca tactical flexibility.
**Marc Guehi:** The rest of the backline is uncertain. Chelsea are open to letting Trevoh Chalobah go and have already seen Thiago Silva depart. Axel Disasi is perhaps the weakest option, and while Wesley Fofana is strong, he is a serious injury risk. Therefore, Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham is a possible free transfer, but if money is spent, Marc Guehi, with his leadership and Premier League experience, is a ready-made option.
**Levi Colwill:** Between Colwill and Benoit Badiashile, Colwill gets the nod due to his versatility, including playing as a left-back when needed. Organizing Chelsea’s defensive options into a strong unit will be a significant challenge.
*Alphonso Davies:** Linked with a move to Chelsea, Davies is expected to join Real Madrid, but delays in that transfer keep Chelsea and Manchester City in the running. If Chelsea secure Davies, he would offer genuine presence and attacking intent at left-back.
### Midfield
**Enzo Fernandez:** Fernandez is key in Chelsea’s midfield. His role could be as a pivot or as a No. 8, utilizing his passing range. Either way, he will be integral to the team’s success.
*Moises Caicedo:** Similar to Fernandez, Caicedo could play deep in the build-up or further forward. The chemistry between these two £100 million midfielders will be crucial.
### Attack
**Cole Palmer:** Palmer’s role under Maresca might shift. While he thrived as a right-winger under Pochettino, Maresca’s system might see him as a No. 10 or the most advanced midfielder in a 4-3-3 setup.
**Michael Olise:** Chelsea’s potential new winger, Olise, is exciting. Though the move is not seen as highly likely, his arrival would be transformative. Cutting in from the right, Olise can create and distribute effectively.
**Christopher Nkunku:** Balancing the attack from the left, Nkunku will play a more central role in the half-space. His ability to link play and move between the lines will make him difficult to mark.
**Nicolas Jackson:** Chelsea’s No. 9, Jackson, had a strong first season in England with 14 non-penalty Premier League goals. His ability to drop deep and run behind defenses makes him a perfect fit for Maresca’s system.
### Conclusion
As Chelsea prepare for another tactical overhaul under Enzo Maresca, the focus will be on integrating his disciplined, build-up heavy style with the existing squad. Significant changes, especially in key positions like goalkeeper and defense, are expected. Maresca’s approach, inspired by Pep Guardiola, promises a structured yet dynamic playing style, aimed at maximizing the potential of players like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and new arrivals like Diogo Costa and potentially Michael Olise. This summer’s transformation at Stamford Bridge marks a new chapter in Chelsea’s ongoing evolution.
