Maresca Praises Exceptional Performance of Centre-Backs on Official Site News
Enzo Maresca recently praised the outstanding performances of Chelsea’s central defenders, attributing a portion of the team’s success to their contributions. This acknowledgment comes ahead of Chelsea’s fixture against Leeds, following a strong defensive showing that helped secure three consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League.
Strong Defensive Record
Before a tough match against Arsenal, Chelsea’s defense had been remarkably solid. The only time the Gunners managed to score was when Chelsea was reduced to ten men. Even then, the team managed to limit Arsenal’s clear chances effectively. Additionally, Chelsea successfully defended against a high-scoring Barcelona team just days earlier.
Maresca’s Thoughts on Centre-Backs
Maresca highlighted the exceptional efforts of the centre-backs, noting that their performance has sometimes gone unnoticed. “It’s something nice for me and the club, especially the team, that our central defenders are doing very well at the moment,” Maresca stated.
- Wes Fofana: Continues to impress, though he may be rested against Leeds.
- Trev Chalobah: Also performing strongly in recent matches.
- Josh Acheampong: A promising talent waiting for opportunities to showcase his skills.
- Benoit Badiashile: Displayed solid form against Burnley pre-injury.
Management of Player Fitness
Maresca indicated that Fofana’s fitness is being meticulously managed as he returns to full form. This raises questions about Acheampong’s potential inclusion in the lineup. The young defender has not participated in a league match since October.
“Josh is doing very good; his lack of play is due to others performing well in his position,” Maresca explained. He remains optimistic about Acheampong’s future contributions, emphasizing that the right moment for him to shine will arrive soon.
