Enzo Maresca, the leading contender to become Chelsea’s new manager, is known for his tactical flexibility and ability to adapt his system to suit his players.
Based on his previous experience at Leicester, here’s a possible lineup for Chelsea under Maresca:
Formation: 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Djordje Petrovic
Defenders:
- Right-back: Reece James
- Left-back: Marc Cucurella
- Centre-back: Levi Colwill
- Centre-back: Goncalo Inacio (potential signing from Sporting Lisbon)
Midfielders:
- Central midfielder: Moises Caicedo
- Central midfielder: Enzo Fernandez
- Central midfielder: Romeo Lavia (formerly managed by Maresca at Manchester City’s academy)
Forwards:
- Right winger: Cole Palmer
- Left winger: Mykhailo Mudryk
- Striker: Benjamin Sesko (potential signing from RB Leipzig, with Nicolas Jackson pushing for a starting spot)
Maresca’s system emphasizes patient build-up play, attacking positional play, and the ability to shift into a back three when in attacking areas.
This approach could suit Chelsea’s current squad, and the possible lineup above takes into account the players’ strengths and Maresca’s tactical preferences.