Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea Poised for Epic Season: Manager Unveils Bold Squad Blueprint

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan White | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 6:22 PM ET

It’s been a busy summer for Chelsea, with the club bringing in many players such as Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Estêvão, Dário Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr.

Chelsea finished fourth place in the 2024-2025 Premier League standings, clinching a UEFA Champions League berth during Enzo Maresca’s debut season. His tactical approach has changed the way the club plays on the pitch, emphasizing defensive pressure and quick counters, although it remains a versatile team.

Maresca is also extremely busy during transfer windows as he scouts potential signings and builds for the future. After all of Chelsea’s recent acquisitions, Maresca is beginning to map out his plans.

"Joao, Liam, Nico, they know what it is to be the No. 9 for Chelsea,” Maresca said. “I prefer in my mind to have strikers that score 10-15 goals each. You saw what we did with Noni and Enzo Fernandez. We expect goals from all our attacking players, but our No. 9s know Chelsea's history.”

He brings an approach that allows for many players to get on the score sheet. Delap and Nicolas Jackson are similar in that they play very direct, whereas Pedro, Gittens, Cole Palmer, and Raul Neto all play with creative aggression.

Maresca on Joao Pedro's best position: "I think Joao can play in all the attacking positions for us, wide, no10 and a no9. The difference with Nico is I see him as just a no9 whereas I see Joao in different positions." pic.twitter.com/LVLOKpD5EA
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) July 7, 2025

"I think Joao can play in all the attacking positions for us, wide, no. 10, and no. 9. The difference with Nico is I see him as just a no. 9, whereas I see Joao in different positions,” Maresca said.

Chelsea is bringing a revamped squad into next season. One that simultaneously blends talented youth with experience, and many of the team’s core pieces are expected to remain together for years to come.

With a tactician like Maresca, Chelsea seems to be in great hands as they continue to add elite young players to their dressing room.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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