Chelsea’s aim of finishing in the Premier League’s top four this season all comes down to a combination of tactical knowledge, individual player performances, and squad depth. Under the leadership of Enzo Maresca, the Blues have shown glimpses of strong attacking and defensive stability, but they must be consistent.
A key factor in achieving a top-four finish will be Maresca’s ability to get the best out of his attacking players. With players like Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho and many more, Chelsea has dynamic wingers who can be game changers if they stay fit and perform at their highest level. If they maximize the potential of these wide players into the attack, it will be crucial for maintaining an offensive threat throughout the season.
Central to Chelsea’s hopes of climbing the table will be a strong midfield, with Moises Caicedo already showcasing his ability to control games. The addition of Enzo Fernandez, alongside Caicedo, offers creativity, and energy in the middle of the pitch. With a more firm midfield, Chelsea will be better equipped to dominate possession, neutralize opposing attacks, and create scoring opportunities. However, consistency in midfield performances will be key, as Chelsea has often struggled with transitions between attack and defense in previous seasons, but if Fernandez and Caicedo can remain fit and form a strong partnership, Chelsea can launch their top-four challenge.
Defensively, Chelsea’s backline has been one of the more stable units in the league. Levi Colwill, despite being so young, continues to perform at an elite level, and with Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo showing development, Chelsea has solid defensive options. However, Maresca must ensure that defensive mistakes are minimized, as bad errors have cost the team points in previous seasons. The return of Reece James from injury will also be pivotal for the team, as his position at right-back offers both defense and attacking threat.
Finally, squad rotation and depth are vital as Chelsea is also in the Conference League. The injury-prone tendency of several players means that Maresca must rotate his squad effectively to ensure freshness and avoid more injuries. The likes of Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku, and Romeo Lavia will need to step up in big moments to ensure Chelsea maintains a competitive edge throughout the campaign. With the right blend of youth and experience, along with good consistency, Chelsea can not only challenge for a top-four spot but also build a solid foundation for future success. The next match is Thursday April 3rd vs. Tottenham.
In The Guardian, Enzo Maresca said, “I think we [have] to be satisfied with where we are but at the same time we need to know we [can] do things better.”