Enzo Maresca makes Jadon Sancho prediction after assists on Chelsea return against Heidenheim | OneFootball

Winger had a key role in both goals as Chelsea eased past Heidenheim

Jadon Sancho took his chance on his return to the Chelsea lineup

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Enzo Maresca believes Jadon Sancho’s comeback display against Heidenheim proves he will be a key player for Chelsea during the upcoming festive period.

However, the Englishman was taken off at half-time during last month’s defeat to Liverpool at Anfield and had not featured since, in part because of illness.

The 24-year-old returned to Maresca’s starting lineup for Thursday night’s Conference League trip to Germany and grabbed his chance by setting up goals for Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk in a 2-0 win.

“I said since we started, Jadon is very important to us,” Maresca said. “He is very important. He has to be fit, mentally and physically.

“He is going to help us a lot. Unfortunately, we did not use him in the last few games but he is showing now how important he is to us.

“Especially against the teams that defend in the low block, we need that quality in the last third. Sometimes he will shoot more but I think he is going to help us a lot.”

Create a FREE account to continue reading

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.