Enzo Maresca should be fearful of one Real Betis player ahead of Europa Conference League final – and it’s not Antony

Isco will be key for Real Betis against Chelsea

Isco, 33, will be looking for his first major trophy since leaving Real Madrid where he lifted the UEFA Champions League five times.

Scoring nine La Liga goals this season, the attacking midfielder has received his call-up for the Spanish national team after a five-year absence and is arguably playing some of the best football of his career.

Providing stability in midfield, Isco was instrumental to Real Betis‘ first-leg advantage over Fiorentina in the Conference League semi-finals. In the second leg tie, Isco’s pass success rate rose from 87% to 96.2% according to StatsPerform.

With his levels of successful passing through Chelsea‘s midfield and arguably rusty defence, Isco will likely make himself a major concern for the West London side.

Comparing both clubs’ attacking midfielders, it’s clear that both players’ strengths reflect very different styles of play.

Palmer has been a more prolific attacker, scoring 15 goals with 51 shots on target. These stats significantly outshine Isco’s 9 goals and 15 shots on target.

Isco, however, brings superior control and efficiency in possession, showcasing a higher pass accuracy and making 71 recoveries. This shows the Spanish international’s midfield discipline and vision.

Chelsea versed in major European finals, but Betis will bring experience and stamina to Wroclaw

Real Betis will arrive in Wroclaw under media and fan scrutiny, having shown poor form as of late with no wins in their previous five games.

Whereas Chelsea will be boosted by their Champions League qualification and top-four Premier League finish.

The London side have been favourites throughout the competition and remain so against Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Despite being favourites, Chelsea have shown weaknesses in attack with Cole Palmer only recently ending his near four-month goal drought against Liverpool.

Maresca has confirmed Filip Jörgensen as first-choice goalkeeper on Wednesday, despite Sanchez’s clean sheet performance away against Nottingham Forest.

Real Betis last won a major trophy in 2022, lifting the Copa del Rey after a tense penalty shootout against opponents Valencia.

Chelsea will be looking to ‘complete the set’ and become the first team to have won every major European competition.

Chelsea have won the Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup and most recently the Champions League, but have only retained two players from their 2021 Porto final squad.

The Spanish side will look to lean on their players’ experience and composure which Chelsea’s young and rebuilding squad may lack in many of the players’ first European final.