What Maresca saw from 19 year old’s first touches means trouble for Christopher Nkunku | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca is infuriating Chelsea fans at the moment with his subs. He makes too few, makes them too late, and often doesn’t make the changes that feel obvious – especially up front.

The 3 recent poor results preceding today’s game against Crystal Palace have seen the Blues chasing goals late on. Yet Nicolas Jackson’s backup striker Marc Guiu got precisely 0 minutes, despite being the sort of burly forward you’d think you’d want in the box to try and win a header late on.

Today, on his 19th birthday, he finally got his chance. It still took Maresca 80 minutes to make his first chance, but at least in this case he opted for Guiu. It was a show of faith in the summer signing, who has impressed in the Conference League but hasn’t been given a minute in the Premier League since the opening day.

Guiu’s energy gives Maresca what he wants – but Nkunku further in the cold

Christopher Nkunku runs with the ball against Heidenheim. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

He’s clearly done enough to earn his manager’s trust in these games now though, and Guiu validated that faith with his first action in the game after coming on.

Cole Palmer had the ball under pressure in his own half, and elected to just kick into space, rugby style, knowing that Guiu is just about the most enthusiastic presser of the ball in the squad. The Spaniard raced after it and forced Tyrick Mitchell into a mistake, with the full back giving away a throw in despite getting to the ball first.

It was just a small thing, but as an illustration of exactly what Maresca is looking for from his striker – especially one coming on late trying to defend a lead.

As well as a big vote of confidence in Guiu, this is a black mark against Christopher Nkunku. He was supposed to be the attacking hub of this team – instead, he can’t even get on the pitch ahead of a teenager when his team needs a goal.