Enzo Maresca has praised Christopher Nkunku, who scored a hat-trick, as one of three players who “deserve to start” for Chelsea after their dominant 5-0 victory over Barrow in the Carabao Cup.
The Blues dismantled League Two side Barrow at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, securing an impressive win to advance to the competition’s fourth round…Continue Reading
Nkunku, making his first start since Chelsea’s opening-day loss to Manchester City, found the back of the net twice within the first 15 minutes, as Barrow struggled to keep up with their Premier League opponents.
Chelsea extended their lead to 3-0 by halftime when a Joao Felix free-kick ricocheted off the post and deflected in off Barrow’s goalkeeper, Paul Farman.
Chelsea looked set to continue the goal fest after Pedro Neto scored his first for the club shortly after the break, but Barrow managed to limit further damage, with Nkunku completing his hat-trick in the 75th minute.
Maresca expressed his satisfaction with Chelsea’s clinical and energetic performance, noting that three players from the match “deserve to start” in their Premier League lineup.
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‘I’m happy. Happy for Pedro [Neto], happy for Christo [Nkunku] and for Joao [Felix], for all of them,’ Maresca said.
‘They all deserve to play from the start in the Premier League but they are not playing in this moment. But the way they take the chances when we give them minutes is fantastic.
‘No matter if it’s five minutes, 45 minutes or 90 minutes, they are all ready and this is the most important thing.’
Nkunku is up against strong competition at Chelsea, particularly from £32m signing Nicolas Jackson, who has made an excellent start to the season by netting four goals in five Premier League matches.
However, Maresca has hinted that he may look to play Nkunku alongside Jackson as the season progresses.
‘That could happen,’ the Italian added. ‘But the problem is the defensive balance.
‘We can think to place with Nicolas, Christo, Joao, Cole Palmer, Noni, fantastic! But then who is defending? Me and you?
‘I would like to put all of them in because I really like football and I really like to keep the ball but the problem is when you lose the ball and then you have to defend. Not all of them can defend at the same level.’
Chelsea, currently sitting in fifth place in the Premier League, will resume their domestic campaign on Saturday with a home fixture against Brighton.
