What Chelsea would look like without Conor Gallagher or Moisés Caicedo with the Leicester star signed in a bold new system under Enzo Maresca

By premiernews On May 28, 2024

Chelsea look set for a new style of play as they prepare to welcome Enzo Maresca from Leicester.

talkSPORT understands the Blues are close to announce the Italian as his new coach, replacing Mauricio Pochettino.

Maresca is close to becoming Chelsea's new coachCredit: Getty

Maresca will leave leicester after just one season in which they won the championship to seal an instant return to the Premier League.

He 44 years previously worked with pep guardiola at Manchester City during their treble-winning 2022/23 campaign.

But now he seems ready to take charge Chelseaand talkSPORT.com has looked at how the west London side could line up under him.

Maresca tends to play with a 4-3-3 formation when out of possession, but when his team wins the ball, this can change to a 3-2-4-1.

One of the full-backs will be inverted in midfield, and the two number 8s will advance while seeking to attack the opponent.

Starting in goal, Djordje Petrovic has been Chelsea's first choice for much of the season, but Maresca could look to bring in one of his own from Leicester.

Foxes fans on social media have expressed concern that Mads Hermansen could be next, with the Dane strong on his feet and coming off an impressive campaign in which he kept 13 clean sheets.

As a full-back in the 4-3-3 formation, Marc Cucurella and Reece James could be the chosen couple on the left and right respectively.

Hermansen had great success in goal with Maresca and could join him at ChelseaCredit: Getty

James and Cucurella may well be the preferred full-back duoCredit: Getty

This is how Chelsea could line up when out of possession

Both can not only play as centre-backs, but can also play in midfield to help in a 3-2-4-1 (Cucurella did this towards the end of the season and James He sometimes played in midfield on loan at Wigan.

Chelsea's main centre-back duo could be formed by Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofanawho missed the entire season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

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The Frenchman impressed when playing in his first season at Stamford Bridge and may be ready for a fresh start with Maresca, with Colwill also a young but talented prospect who has already proven his worth.

Starting in the middle of the field could be Enzo Fernandezwho has spent much of the campaign playing further forward than many would have expected.

The 23-year-old could play a deeper role with Maresca, although he achieved great success there with Argentina in their 2022 World Cup victory.

British record label Moisés Caicedoas well as the wounded Romeo LaviaThey are also options for the new Chelsea manager, but Fernández's passing and ball play could give him the advantage.

This means that there may not be room for Conor Gallagher in midfield, with the 24-year-old heavily linked with a summer exit amid Aston Villa interest and Tottenham.

When Chelsea win the ball, this is how they could change

Caicedo and Fernández are the best options in midfield, but Maresca could opt for the latter.Credit: Getty

This may mean there is no place for Gallagher amid speculation he could be sold.Credit: Getty

In attacking midfield, the Premier League Young Player of the Season Cole Palmer He is in line for an immediate starting role after racking up 40 goal contributions in his first season.

Palmer, along with Lavia, played with Maresca for the City U21 team and made a huge impact, scoring 13 goals and assisting a further six in 16 appearances.

Next to him could be Christopher Nkunkuwho had an unfortunate start at Chelsea amid several injury problems, but impressed when fit, scoring three goals in 14 appearances.

Mykhailo Mudryk could feature on the left wing after an improved second season with the Blues in which he scored some crucial goals.

The 23-year-old Ukrainian is still a young player and, given Maresca's experience as a youth coach, this appointment could be a big boost to his progress.

Palmer seems destined to be one of the first names on the team's roster with MarescaCredit: Getty

Nicolas Jackson could be trusted to lead the Chelsea line again next seasonCredit: Getty

The same can be said with Noni Maduekewho has also improved his game after a quiet first few months at Stamford Bridge.

He finished the season with eight goals from the right wing, including a goal against Maresca's Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-final clash.

Nicholas Jackson He was Chelsea's second top scorer behind Palmer this season, with the Senegal international scoring 17 goals.

The Blues have long been linked with Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toneybut Jackson's efforts in his debut season at Chelsea could be rewarded with the starting striker role under Maresca.

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