BREAKING: CHELSEA’S MIDFIELD SHAKE-UP! Gallagher Axed, Fernandez in Doubt, Dewsbury-Hall the New Hero!
Ideal Chelsea Midfield Following the Next Enzo Maresca Transfer
Chelsea currently boasts eight central midfielders, excluding the arrival of the attack-minded Omari Kellyman. Of these eight, three have yet to start a game for the club. Additionally, several promising academy players are making strides towards the first team.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is set to join this crowded midfield, where £292 million has already been spent under Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital’s ownership. This includes record-breaking fees and significant investments in players like Kellyman (£19 million) and Dewsbury-Hall (£30 million).
Cesare Casadei and Andrey Santos, both returning from loans, will have the opportunity to impress under Enzo Maresca. Lesley Ugochukwu, initially expected to be loaned out, stayed to cover for the injured Romeo Lavia, adding to the competition.
Enzo Fernandez, rejuvenated after the Copa America, is ready for his second full season at Stamford Bridge. Moises Caicedo, after a shaky start, found his footing under Mauricio Pochettino, aided by Conor Gallagher’s tireless efforts.
Carney Chukwuemeka, though seldom played since 2022, remains one of the country’s top prospects. However, not all these players can stay at Chelsea, especially with the added pressure of European football.
Maresca’s system, a 4-3-3 on paper, allows space for only three midfielders, even with rotation. In possession, the formation shifts to a 3-2-5, with one full-back moving centrally, creating a back-three, and two midfielders pushing forward.
The challenge lies in the roles of Fernandez and Caicedo, both excel in the build-up but struggle in advanced positions. Maresca might task one of them with more creative responsibilities, with Fernandez being a natural choice due to his passing range.
This situation raises questions about Gallagher’s position, who was a key performer last season. Dewsbury-Hall, under Maresca, showed a greater goal threat than Gallagher, despite the latter’s strong end-of-season performances. Dewsbury-Hall’s recent improvement makes him a strong contender.
With Caicedo and Fernandez expected to play frequently, there is limited room for experimentation. Dewsbury-Hall and Gallagher are both strong No.8 options, while Casadei is lower in the pecking order, and Chukwuemeka seems suited to this role.
Santos, versatile but inexperienced, and Lavia, with a different profile, add to the uncertainty of roles. It seems likely that Maresca will choose Fernandez, Caicedo, and Dewsbury-Hall for his midfield trio, leaving Gallagher’s future in doubt. Gallagher might be sold, given his availability this summer.
Chukwuemeka’s potential still makes him a valuable asset, possibly attracting loan interest from clubs like AC Milan. Despite this crowded midfield, serious transfer inquiries have been scarce, with the focus on other positions like left-backs, goalkeepers, and strikers.
Overall, the midfield remains well-stocked. Dewsbury-Hall’s arrival suggests a lineup with him, Fernandez, and Caicedo as the primary choices.
