27-year-old facing uncertain future at Chelsea as Enzo Maresca is unsure about his tactical flexibility: Reports
Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell's future at Stamford Bridge reportedly looks uncertain, with new head coach Enzo Maresca unsure of his tactical flexibility. The 27-year-old defender made just 13 Premier League appearances last season, struggling with injuries and fitness issues. He also missed out on England's squad for EURO 2024.
However, if Chilwell had been hoping to start the new season fully fit and with a bang, he might be in for an unpleasant surprise. A report from the Telegraph (via Daily Mail) has claimed that the managerial change at Stamford Bridge will affect the full-back's future at the club.
With the Blues signing Enzo Maresca to fill in the empty dugout, the new boss will want to create a team that suits his standards and expectations. The report has claimed that Maresca has a strong preference for versatile players, who can play in different positions on the pitch.
This raises a problem for Chilwell, who can only really impact the game from the left flank. It also does not help that Chelsea's other left-back, Marc Cucurella has impressed more for the Blues and garnered more playing time. He has also been a mainstay in Spain's national team at the EUROs, which could keep Chilwell from snagging a starting berth in west London next season.
Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella pushes club to sign young Spain talent
Chelsea are reportedly looking to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao this summer. The winger came into the limelight after providing an impressive 19 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions last season.
He has taken that quality into the EUROs, scoring a goal and providing an assist in Spain's Round of 16 match against Georgia. Cucurella spoke about Williams to the press, revealing his interest in playing alongside the winger at Stamford Bridge. He said (via Sport Witness);
“He’s a great player, he’s bringing out his full potential, we’re proud that he’s in our team, that he’s our teammate and with players like that everything is easier. It would be a great signing, but it all depends on his opinion, I’m pushing him to sign for Chelsea….
"In the end it all depends on him, he is very young, with a long way to go and I think he will be a great player. We talked and I told him if he needed anything to let me know."
Cucurella will be looking forward to the new season with the Blues when the summer ends. In the meantime, though, he will keep his focus on the EUROs, where Spain face Germany in the quarter-finals.