Maresca can drop Nkunku by unleashing “remarkable” Chelsea ace in new role

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea facet shall be seeking to get again to profitable methods within the Premier League, as they face Aston Villa at Villa Park, coming off the again of back-to-back defeats to Brighton within the final two weeks, not solely being knocked out of the FA Cup, but additionally dropping out of the highest 4 within the league.

The Blues smashed Villa 3-0 within the reverse fixture this marketing campaign at Stamford Bridge, with objectives from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer. Chelsea dominated the fixture, holding 64% possession, taking 17 photographs, creating two “massive probabilities” and producing 1.69 xG.

One challenge Maresca should resolve heading into this recreation is the striker downside at Chelsea proper now, with Jackson and Marc Guiu each out injured, that means Christopher Nkunku has been the one filling within the hole up prime in current weeks.

Christopher Nkunku’s centre-forward challenge

Nkunku has made 32 appearances this season for Chelsea, being utilized in a lot of completely different roles by Maresca, scoring 13 objectives in all competitions, offering 4 assists and totalling 1,417 minutes performed.

While his general aim tally is sweet, it is the performance of the crew that suffers with Nkunku within the facet, as he is not taking part in in his pure attacking midfield place.

Due to this fact, Chelsea usually are not benefiting from the identical set of abilities Jackson brings to the facet, making intelligent runs in behind, driving play forwards and opening up bigger areas for Cole Palmer to function inside. This has not solely seen a decline in objectives from the striker, but additionally from Palmer himself in current weeks.

With Jackson and Noni Madueke each out injured now (Chelsea’s second and third prime scorers within the league this season) and Palmer now going 5 consecutive video games with no aim contribution, Maresca shall be tasked with discovering a strategy to produce objectives towards Aston Villa.

Chelsea’s potential new striker answer

A special strategy the Italian coach may take is taking part in Pedro Neto via the center, offering an analogous means to make runs in behind as Jackson did, due to this fact stretching the pitch and affording that additional little bit of area within the pockets for Palmer.

Not solely may this revitalise Palmer, however it may additionally deliver a brand new dynamic to the entrance line, permitting the Blues to penetrate in behind once more, one thing they did not do towards Brighton regardless of the area afforded to them.

Neto has made 29 appearances thus far this season, scoring 4 objectives, offering 5 assists and totalling 1,617 minutes in all competitions.

Wolves coach, Shaun Derry, described Neto as a “outstanding” younger man who could be very critical about soccer, having nice enthusiasm for the sport which could be infectious all through a crew.

It is this type of vitality Chelsea may use proper now, and having Neto main the cost in a barely unorthodox position may have a trickle-down impact almost about vitality and want.