![Icon: EPL Index](https://image-service.onefootball.com/transform?w=96&dpr=2&image=https://filebucket.onefootball.com/2019/11/1574083684860-13_Eplindex.png)
EPL Index
·19 juillet 2024
Alan Smith: Dewsbury-Hall and Chelsea’s Midfield Dynamics
![Image de l'article :Alan Smith: Dewsbury-Hall and Chelsea’s Midfield Dynamics](https://image-service.onefootball.com/transform?w=280&h=210&dpr=2&image=https%3A%2F%2Feplindex.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fimago1039367162h-scaled.jpg)
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·19 juillet 2024
The arrival of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Chelsea has sparked considerable interest and speculation among fans and pundits alike. This highly regarded midfielder, signed by Enzo Maresca, has shown immense promise, and his former manager’s confidence in him speaks volumes. As Alan Smith pointed out in an interview with Genting Casino, “When your former manager buys you like that, it indicates that he will be a key player for Chelsea.”
Photo: IMAGO
Dewsbury-Hall’s transfer to Chelsea suggests he is expected to play a significant role in the club’s future. His previous interactions with Maresca likely involved discussions about his position and responsibilities within the squad. “I think all of Chelsea’s other midfielders will be thinking to themselves that if the manager has brought this guy with him, he’ll be starting on day one,” Smith noted, emphasising the anticipation surrounding Dewsbury-Hall’s debut.
Chelsea’s midfield is a crowded place, with notable names like Enzo Fernandes and Moisés Caicedo already in the mix. Smith acknowledged this depth, stating, “Chelsea have got so many players haven’t they? They will need to move a few of them on you would think. Connor Gallagher is a name that is constantly spoken about in terms of the club wanting to sell, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a similar type of player.”
Photo IMAGO
The wealth of talent in Chelsea’s midfield provides both opportunities and challenges for Maresca. The manager’s decision to bring Dewsbury-Hall on board suggests a clear vision for his role. “You would think that because Maresca has signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, he will know exactly what he wants to do with him and have a plan for him,” Smith observed. This plan is likely to place Dewsbury-Hall at the forefront of Maresca’s strategy.
Dewsbury-Hall’s transition to Chelsea is a significant step in his career. “It’s a great move for him, and he’s a very good player. We’ll have to wait and see what type of role he has, but logic suggests that he will start,” Smith commented. This move not only elevates Dewsbury-Hall’s profile but also adds a dynamic element to Chelsea’s midfield.
The challenge for Maresca will be to integrate Dewsbury-Hall into a squad already brimming with talent while maintaining harmony and a competitive edge. As Smith put it, “Maresca’s got to cope with the challenges that Pochettino had to face and will be trying to keep all of his players happy while forging a cohesive unit.”
Leicester City, Dewsbury-Hall’s former club, faces its own set of challenges as they re-enter the Premier League. Their opening fixtures against Tottenham, Fulham, and Aston Villa are daunting. Alan Smith shared his insights on Leicester’s predicament, saying, “I think Steve Cooper will be thinking more long-term than the first three games of the season.”
Smith highlighted the potential difficulty of the season, especially with the looming threat of a points deduction. “It’s not an easy start for Leicester, and they’ve also got the shadow of a points deduction looming over them,” he remarked. This situation demands a strategic approach from Steve Cooper, who must navigate both immediate and long-term challenges.
Despite these hurdles, Smith expressed confidence in Cooper’s abilities, drawing parallels to his past experiences with Nottingham Forest. “It will be difficult for Steve Cooper, but I do like him as the manager. He’s obviously been there before with Forrest in recent years, so we’ll see. I hope he can do well,” Smith concluded.