“It is better for the team and especially for the players” - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca explains why he ‘loves’ 21-year-old Blues star
Enzo Maresca has expressed his delight in Chelsea star Renato Veiga following his impressive contribution in the Blues' victory against Panathinaikos in the Europa Conference League. The 21-year-old played all 90 minutes as his side picked up a comfortable 4-1 win on Thursday (October 24).
Veiga was deployed in the left hand side of a back-three, which ocasionally switched to a back-four during the game against Panathinaikos. The Portuguese international once again showed his versatility for the Blues, thus proving to be a key asset for Maresca.
Veiga has been deployed in a couple of positions by Maresca since joining from Basel last summer. They include holding midfielder, left-back, attacking midfielder, and most recently, as a left-sided center-back against Panathinaikos.
Speaking after the Conference League game, head coach Maresca was quick to acknowledge the versatility of Veiga while stressing the need to have players who can play in various positions. He said (via chelseafc.com):
"I just said to Renato, he has played already as a centre-back, a full-back, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder. He has already played four or five positions. One of my first press conferences, I said that the reason why I really like and love Chelsea is because many players can be versatile."
He continued:
"Today, in my idea, if they can play different positions, then it is better for the team and especially for the players. Today, if you just play one position, I don’t think it’s enough. You need to learn more positions. Renato, Malo [Gusto], they are playing in different positions and they are doing well.”
How is Renato Veiga adapting to life at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca?
The young Portuguese international is proving to be a decent bargain for Chelsea, judging by how much the Blues paid to secure his services from Basel last summer.
Chelsea paid €14 million to sign him, a fee that can be considered relatively moderate, especially in today's highly inflated transfer market.
Veiga has proved to be worth every penny since joining Chelsea. His versatility has also been on display, as he has already been used in well up to four positions by head coach Maresca.
He has since made a combined total of 10 appearances for the Blues, playing 614 minutes of football action. Veiga has also scored one goal and provided one assist across all competitions.