Enzo Maresca praised as Chelsea enjoy 'best ever transfer' from Premier League rivals

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Evening Standard

·16 December 2024

Enzo Maresca praised as Chelsea enjoy 'best ever transfer' from Premier League rivals

From stinking out Old Trafford to shining at Stamford Bridge

Jadon Sancho is already proving himself as Chelsea's best ever signing.

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That's the bold call of former Blues defender Glen Johnson, who has been blown away by the start Sancho has made at Chelsea since his loan-to-buy move from Manchester United.

Sancho ended three underwhelming years at Old Trafford in the summer by moving to Stamford Bridge on loan, with the Blues agreeing to an obligation to make the move permanent for around £23million.

The forward assisted a goal in each of his first appearances before fitness issues hampered his progress. His first goal came as a substitute against Southampton, and then followed it up by kickstarting Chelsea's comeback against Tottenham four days later.

Jadon Sancho and Enzo Maresca

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And Johnson believes manager Enzo Maresca, and his coaching staff, must be credited for Sancho’s return to prominence.

"Jadon Sancho’s move from Manchester United looks like a completely one-sided deal," Johnson told Betfred. "These days, £23m for a player like that, it’s like giving him away.

"What he’s done in the last few weeks is what we know he’s capable of, but he just needs to do it more often.

"He looks like he’s enjoying himself and that’s why he’s putting in performances, so the manager and his backroom staff deserve credit too because these players that weren’t performing are now.

"Getting Jadon to perform at a cost of £23m could be the best deal ever."

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