Enzo Maresca has acknowledged that Ben Chilwell is in a “delicate situation” at Chelsea, with the player being linked to Manchester United this summer. Chilwell, who transferred to Chelsea from Leicester City for £45 million in the summer of 2020, now faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge following Maresca’s replacement of Mauricio Pochettino as head coach.
The 27-year-old has been plagued by multiple injuries during his time at Stamford Bridge, missing a significant portion of last season. This effectively ruled him out of contention for Euro 2024, where his left-back rival, Marc Cucurella, shone for Spain.
Checkout -Palmer, Gallagher & Cucurella Out Of Enzo Maresca’s Pre-Season Squad. See Why
Cucurella demonstrated his versatility in that tournament and under Pochettino at the end of last season by comfortably playing as an inverted full-back. This adaptability is also seen in fellow Blues full-backs Malo Gusto and Reece James.
Enzo Maresca on Chilwell’s position
However, Ben Chilwell is a traditional left-back, as confirmed by Enzo Maresca during Chelsea’s pre-season tour. When asked about Chilwell’s best position, Maresca stated, “Chilly is a left-back, for sure. I’ve always seen him as a left full-back.” When questioned about the possibility of Chilwell adapting to an inverted role, Maresca described his situation as “a bit delicate.”
You May Have Missed -I’m deeply saddened by Onwenu’s death – First Lady
“It’s delicate in terms of we are trying to find a solution for him in terms of position, we are trying to find the right position for him. He probably needs a bit of time.
“We want players that can perform 100 per cent and for sure in these two or three weeks.
“Malo [Gusto] and Reece [James] can both do the work required of them and both finish with more assists or more dangerous in the way they were being used in the past because in that position they are good enough to make last passes because their quality, they are both very good.”
Man United’s Interest on Ben Chilwell
Manchester United may provide Chilwell an escape route this summer. Sporting director Dan Ashworth aims to address concerns over the left-back position. Both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw missed much of last season due to injuries. Manager Erik ten Hag wants to prevent a repeat of last term’s issues. He had to use players out of position to cover the left-back spot.
Reports of Manchester United’s interest in Ben Chilwell surfaced earlier this month. TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook confirmed doubts about Chilwell’s future at Chelsea and noted that the England international remains on United’s list.
“Chilwell doesn’t really fit into his system,” Crook said. “What he likes his fullbacks to do is a bit like Pep Guardiola, because we know he’s a Guardiola disciple. He wants to push on into midfield and play that hybrid role. That isn’t really Chilwell.
“He’s an out-and-out left back. Maresca has said that. I think there’s a possibility that if there’s interest, I know he’s on Manchester United’s list this summer.
“There may be Chelsea cash in because he’s also got Marc Cucurella, who finished last season really well.
“He’s coming back high in confidence, having just been a big part of that Spain team that won the Euros.”
Recommendation -Senate begs Nigerians to call off nationwide protests