Enzo Maresca’s Decision Leaves Chelsea Star on the Sidelines: Was Jamie Carragher Right?
Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, has raised eyebrows with his handling of certain players this season, and Sunday’s goalless draw against Everton only added fuel to the fire.
Among the many questions surrounding Chelsea’s tactical choices, one stood out: Why was Joao Felix, a £42m acquisition, left unused despite the team’s clear need for creativity and spark?
As the clock wound down at Goodison Park, Joao Felix sat bundled up in a windbreaker, watching his team struggle to find the decisive edge. With Chelsea’s attacking efforts faltering, fans might have expected a shake-up, particularly given the talent available on the bench.
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Yet Maresca made only two substitutions: Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku replaced Pedro Neto and Nicolas Jackson in the 76th minute. The likes of Felix, Cesare Casadei, Renato Veiga, and Marc Guiu—who had netted a hat-trick just days earlier—were left untouched.
The Numbers Game: A Squad Overflowing with Talent
Maresca’s bench featured nine substitutes, including two Cobham academy graduates, Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong. The combined cost of the other seven? A staggering £184 million. And yet, despite this wealth of options, only two changes were made.
This conservative approach raises questions about Felix’s role in the squad. Jamie Carragher, the Liverpool legend, questioned Chelsea’s decision to sign Felix back in August, expressing skepticism about where he would fit into an already crowded roster.
“You have bought Joao Felix, right? Tell me where he is going to play,” Carragher said on Sky Sports. “They signed Neto a week ago. Where is he going to play when you have already got Cole Palmer? Where would you play Enzo Fernandez if Felix, Neto, and Palmer played together? Where would you play Nkunku?”
Carragher’s concerns seem prescient. While Felix has showcased his abilities in the UEFA Conference League, with four goals and a host of assists in five appearances, his Premier League opportunities remain limited. The European competition appeared to offer a lifeline for Felix, allowing him to shine in the No. 10 role while Cole Palmer was rested.
Brief Moments of Promise
There was a glimmer of hope that Maresca had found a solution to integrate Felix and Palmer. In a commanding 5-1 victory over Southampton, both players started and excelled: Palmer scored, and Felix provided an assist in his first Premier League start under Maresca. It was a performance that hinted at Chelsea’s potential to emerge as title contenders.
But just as Felix seemed to gain traction, he was sidelined again. Illness forced him to miss the 2-1 win over Brentford, and he was absent for the trip to Kazakhstan, where Chelsea defeated Astana 3-1. Despite recovering and making himself available, Felix has found himself increasingly marginalized.
Everton Stalemate Highlights Chelsea’s Struggles
Against Everton, Palmer had an off day, Neto failed to influence the game, and Jackson missed crucial opportunities. In such a scenario, Felix’s creativity could have made a difference. Yet Maresca opted not to call upon him, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
Felix’s frustration is understandable. After all, he was brought in as a marquee signing, a player expected to add flair and vision to Chelsea’s attack. But Maresca’s reluctance to utilize him suggests deeper issues at play. Is it a matter of tactical fit, or does Maresca simply lack trust in the Portuguese star?
A Balancing Act with High Stakes
Maresca’s decision-making is undoubtedly influenced by the challenge of managing a bloated squad. Chelsea’s transfer strategy has brought in a plethora of talented players, but integrating them into a cohesive unit is no easy task. Felix’s limited playing time may be collateral damage in Maresca’s efforts to strike the right balance.
Carragher’s skepticism about Felix’s fit at Chelsea seems increasingly valid. The Portuguese international’s future at Stamford Bridge looks uncertain, especially if he continues to receive the cold shoulder from Maresca. For Chelsea, the risk is clear: failing to maximize the potential of a £42m talent could come back to haunt them, particularly if Felix’s discontent leads to an early exit.
As Chelsea aim to climb the Premier League table and make their mark in Europe, Maresca’s squad management will remain under scrutiny. For Joao Felix, the path forward is less clear.
Whether he can carve out a consistent role in this star-studded squad or becomes a high-profile casualty of Chelsea’s transfer policy remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the questions surrounding his place at Stamford Bridge aren’t going away anytime soon.
Enzo Maresca’s Decision Leaves Chelsea Star on the Sidelines: Was Jamie Carragher Right?
