Micah Richards has praised Enzo Maresca for the way he’s used Chelsea’s fullbacks and likes how they often find themselves in the number ten position.
The Blues have made a good start to the season, but missed the chance to go third after being held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United on Sunday.
The point moved Chelsea into the top four, but they would have been hoping for much more with it very much feeling like a missed opportunity for Maresca’s men.
Richard’s praises Maresca for how he’s using his fullbacks
Maresca is known for his attention to detail and the tactical side of the game and it’s impressive how quickly the players have been able to start to implement his ideas.
The Blues have looked very dangerous going forward this season, although they do still look vulnerable defensively, with Maresca no doubt keen to address that.
One standout this season has been the Italian’s use of his fullbacks and whilst inverting a left or right back is nothing new in modern day football, Maresca has got them taking up very advanced positions.
In recent games Malo Gusto has found himself in the number ten position, a decision Maresca recently explained, whilst Reece James has played out of position at left back.
Richards has revealed he’s a fan of this tactical set-up and praised Maresca for how he’s got his fullbacks playing.
“I think tactically, watching Maresca, and you’ll know a little more than me, Gary, from his time at Leicester, but I really like what he does with his fullbacks, whether it be Gusto whether it be Cucurella, where they sort of build up with a three and have a full back sort of playing the number ten position,” he told The Rest is Football.
Whether it’s been working is another question, with Gusto substituted at half time against United, with Marc Cucurella replacing him and it feels like this potential experiment has run it’s course.
Fans will no doubt like to see Reece James at right back picking up those advanced positions as he’s the best in the final third, with a natural left back in Cucurella playing on the other side and hopefully we see that against Arsenal on Sunday.
