Enzo Maresca will have quite a few centre-backs to choose from next season at Chelsea.
The Italian will be replacing Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea, with only official confirmation of his appointment awaiting, according to The Athletic.
Thiago Silva will not be at Stamford Bridge after the Blues decided not to renew his contract.
However, Maresca will still have the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana to call upon.
Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo should also be an option for Maresca. The 26-year-old is close to joining Chelsea, with it being claimed that Maresca has approved his signing.
Tony Cascarino not convinced by Chelsea defender
Former Chelsea player Tony Cascarino is not fully sold on all of the Blues’ centre-back options.
It is more than understandable, especially when you look at Chelsea’s defensive record this season.
In total, they conceded 63 goals in the Premier League, a record Maresca is going to have to try and improve next term.
Badiashile came in for a lot of criticism at times, and Cascarino has now had his say on the 23-year-old, who cost his current employers £35m.
Speaking about him on talkSPORT, Cascarino said: “Badiashile, I am not sure he is developed enough to be a Chelsea regular centre-half.”
Will Benoit Badiashile start over Levi Colwill next season?
Badiashile and Colwill are likely to compete for the left centre-back spot in the 2024/25 campaign, as both players are left-footed.
Maresca is a modern-day coach who wants his side to dominate possession. This season, Leicester City had the second-highest ball possession average in the Championship under him, according to WhoScored.
With that in mind, Colwill may get the nod over his teammate. He is much better on the ball than he is.
As per FBref, the England international has ranked in the 90th percentile for successful take-ons and the 85th percentile for progressive carries among centre-halves over the last year. Badiashile, in contrast, has ranked in the fourth and the 13th respectively. Colwill, then, looks like a much better fit for Maresca and his football.