There’s a player in the Chelsea squad who’s got the potential to absolutely thrive under incoming manager Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea fans are patiently waiting to hear an official announcement from the club to confirm that Enzo Maresca has been appointed as the new head coach at Stamford Bridge following days of speculation in the media.
The Telegraph has claimed that Chelsea are poised to announce Maresca as the Blues head coach and Mauricio Pochettino successor.
Who in the current playing squad is going to benefit most from Maresca’s imminent arrival?
Chelsea player should love Enzo Maresca appointment
The Chelsea Chronicle is predicting that the change of management at Stamford Bridge could actually turn out well for Noni Madueke.
While Madueke was beginning to find his feet this season, scoring eight goals in 34 club appearances, Maresca could actually be the perfect coach to suit his style of play and improve him further.
The 22-year-old right-winger is very much a traditional wide player that excels dribbling 1v1 at opponents. FBREF data records that Madueke was averaging 7.35 take-ons per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season.
In data recorded by Sky Sports, you can see just how important Leicester’s wingers became under Maresca. Foxes duo Stephy Mavididi (447) and Abdul Fatawu (399) topped the Championship chart when it came to most one-on-ones in the 2023/24 campaign.
Leicester wingers Mavididi and Fatawu were so influential on either flank. It certainly looks like they were encouraged by Maresca to dribble and express themselves on the ball in a 4-3-3 system.
So, if Maresca brings a similar idea and strategy to the Chelsea XI, Madueke may be the most suited from all the Blues attackers to play in that way out wide.
Noni Madueke can go to another level
Madueke, who cost Chelsea £29m (Sky Sports) in January 2023, has gears to go through as he gets older and more experienced.
There’s been glimpses from the skilful left-footer that he can be a big player at Stamford Bridge, but now he needs consistency in form and game time.
If Cole Palmer plays more centrally, Madueke is the obvious starter on the right flank.
When he plays for England’s U21s he looks fearless running at full-backs over and over again. Maybe Maresca can bring that out of him more in a Chelsea shirt.
The ‘amazing’ youngster is definitely someone to keep a close eye on going into next season.