Maresca's first few weeks - observations and projections

 As regards CHELSEA...

My observations and projections into the new season, going into the FIRST FEW GAMES...

 *In Goalkeeping* 

Maresca has got to make a choice who starts in goal as early as possible as that would set the tone for the new era. A ball playing GK, who would be the extra defender when building from the back is the requirement and Sanchez and Jorgensen both fit into the profile. However, I believe Jorgensen would get the nod going into the season. I just think for the little I've seen, he's more confident and less prone to error.

 *3-2-2-3 formation* (in possession) in view

 *In Defense*

1. Tosin, Colwill and Badiashile have played the most minutes so far and from what I see, LCB looks sealed for Colwill. 

2. James has been used as RCB in the last matches and he's looked more comfortable there than in the inverted full back role. His strength and pace matches wingers that may run into channels and he's good building from the back, too.

3. Maresca has said he ONLY sees Chilwell as a (traditional) left full back and that tells me he's not going to be a starter (at least) yet. Cucurella resumes late and I think his best shot is at the inverted full back role. He proved he's our best full back at it at the close of last season and for Spain during the Euros. He can't start games yet though.

 *In midfield* 

1. Lavia is the undisputed starter at the base of the midfield. His history with Maresca at the Man City Junior team is an obvious advantage. He's been really good throughout the tour, so assured in possession and not shy to "win battles".

2. Gusto looked more comfortable than James at the inverted full back role. He's quite decent in possession and his carries help break press. His energy also seems to match the more static pair in Lavia.

3. Kiernan Dewsbury Hall knows Maresca so well and the minutes he's played, it's clear he understands his role. I believe he'd start in the LCM, helping with possession, running into the half space for overloads and joining the attack for goals and assists when needed.

4. The RCM has been Nkunku's for most part and I believe that would continue. He's been Chelsea's best player so far. Good between the lines with his link up play, he also gets into dangerous positions to make goals or assists.

5. Caceido and Enzo resumed late and neither looks ready to start at the base of the midfield nor at any of the two positions behind the strikers. However, I believe of the two, Enzo has more chance of starting in the RCM/LCM because of his eye for a final/semi-final pass.

 *In attack*

1. Madueke has sealed the RWF spot. Maresca wants to create as many 1v1s for his wingers as possible and that's good territory for Madueke. 

2. Mudryk and Sterling have been underwhelming so far and it's sad that after much money spent, Chelsea doesn't still have better wingers. I give the nod to Sterling however as he still looks more likely to beat his man than Mudryk. It's sad, though.

3. Palmer hasn't featured, too and it's still hard to figure out the role he'd play although his quality would definitely find a place. 

4. Jackson is still unfit. No striker looks like pushing Guiu out of the CF position yet. Maresca has shown some faith in him and I believe he won't be going on loan. The flashes of his abilities so far leaves one to wonder what he could be in the nearest future. I believe Maresca would give him the nod.

 *3-2-2-3* 

Jorgensen 

James-Tosin-Colwill 

Lavia-Gusto 

Nkunku-KDH

Madueke-Guiu-Sterling