Chelsea are already halfway through their scheduled games during this summer’s pre-season, so things are slowly beginning to take shape.
Of course, the main objective is still getting the squad fully fit, but this is happening while new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is trying to implement his football ideas.
Speaking on John Obi Mikel’s ‘Obi One Podcast’, Carlo Ancelotti’s backs Maresca to succeed at Chelsea, which is a high profile vote of confidence supporters will love hearing. However, there’s already challenges and question marks at the start of his reign.
The Blues started their pre-season tour of the United States with a 2-2 draw versus Wrexham, which was followed by an alarming 4-1 defeat to Celtic. There was a response on Thursday with a strong 3-0 victory against Club America, though.
Next, Chelsea face Manchester City this weekend before finishing their US trip against Real Madrid. The last of six friendlies this summer takes place at Stamford Bridge against Inter Milan on 11 August, which is just a week before the Premier League season commences.
While there’s still no need to overanalyse individual performances in the first half of pre-season, there’s no doubt that a few individuals have done well to enhance their own reputations.
Here below is a look at Chelsea’s five best players so far this summer:
Christopher Nkunku
The performances of Christopher Nkunku, 25, so far in pre-season should be enough to put a smile on the face of any Chelsea supporter. It’s extremely unfortunate that he spent a large portion of last season on the sidelines through injury, but he’s looking like an individual with something to prove so far under Maresca.
The Frenchman’s been used as an attacking midfielder in all three matches so far this summer, being named in the starting line-up every time. Speaking via Chelsea’s official app in July, Nkunku admitted he prefers playing central positions.
He’s been an obvious standout so far this summer because he scored against Wrexham, Celtic and Club America, albeit two of the goals were penalty kicks.
Nkunku has looked more and more impressive as his fitness builds up, so it’s a credit to Maresca for giving him 90 minutes against Celtic. He followed that up this week with an outstanding individual display versus Club America.
If you’re picking Chelsea’s XI for the opening league day, Nkunku should be the first name in it. He’s a goal threat whenever he moves forward and drifts into clever positions, plus he looks fit and is so good at holding the ball up.
Tosin Adarabioyo
Tosin Adarabioyo is someone that may be going slightly under the radar during his first pre-season as a Chelsea player, but his contribution so far shouldn’t be overlooked.
Tosin was snapped up on a free transfer this summer after leaving Fulham. Unlike a lot of Chelsea’s signings in recent windows, the 26-year-old defender has vital Premier League experience and is proven in the top division.
So far in the US, the centre-back has started against Wrexham and Club America, plus came off the bench against Celtic. It’s immediate straight away that he’s a towering and physical figure at the back, plus he’s very composed on the ball.
Respected journalist Simon Phillips recently reported that Chelsea believe Tosin is a really smart signing. In fairness, most should be agreeing with them.
Marc Guiu
Not only has Marc Guiu been the surprise package of Chelsea’s pre-season so far, he’s also been one of the best players in the entire squad.
He was a bit of an unknown quantity when the Blues signed him from Barcelona this summer in a £5m deal (BBC Sport). However, the 18-year-old striker has looked so bright that you could make a strong case to keep him in the senior squad for the upcoming campaign.
The Spanish teenager worked tirelessly when he was on the pitch in busy displays against Wrexham and Celtic. Then against Club America, he scored his first goal for the club with a headed goal to reward all his positive work on and off the ball.
Romeo Lavia
Similar to Nkunku, Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia had his first campaign at Stamford Bridge last year decimated by injuries. It was actually even worse because he made just one appearance all season.
Therefore, what he’s done so far while out in the US has been truly fantastic and it makes you think he could be in for a huge 2024/25 season if he stays fit.
The 20-year-old Belgian defensive midfielder has started all three of Maresca’s games to date. You could say he looks the most natural fit for the style of football, too.
His best performance to date was against Club America, where he produced some outstanding moments with the ball at his feet. He’s so comfortable in possession when it comes to breaking the lines with dribbling or passing.
Journalist Phillips reported via Substack in June that Lavia’s camp felt he was in great condition for pre-season. It’s certainly turning out that way and he’s surely in the manager’s good books.
Robert Sanchez
Finally, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has caught the eye as a positive performer so far in pre-season. It’s a good job for him as well because the club has signed Filip Jorgensen to provide competition in-between the sticks.
Sanchez, 26, has made some eye-catching saves in the friendly matches, most notably in the defeat to Celtic to help keep the score down.
The Spanish shot-stopper definitely still has question marks when it comes to the ball is at his feet, but the way he’s performed in the last two weeks is quite encouraging. Let’s remember that he’s dealing with the pressure of losing his starting position at the end of last season, plus the new arrival of Jorgensen.
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