Five Takeaways from Chelsea's 5-0 win over Wrexham
Mauricio Pochettino made a strong start to his Chelsea reign with a dominant 5-0 victory over Wrexham during their pre-season opener at The University of Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The match drew a sell-out crowd, with Wrexham mania taking over the venue. As expected, the League Two outfit was outplayed by the Premier League giants.
One of the notable takeaways from the game was the positioning of Ian Maatsen, a 21-year-old left-back, who was deployed higher up the pitch by Pochettino as a left-winger. This tactical move proved to be inspired, as Maatsen scored two goals, showcasing his attacking prowess and creativity. He seemed to thrive in the attacking third of the pitch, a quality he demonstrated during his loan spell at Burnley last season. It remains to be seen if this positional change will become a permanent feature of his role at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino's project at Chelsea is still in its early stages, and patience is required as the team undergoes significant changes. Only five players in the starting lineup had previous experience with Chelsea, highlighting the massive overhaul the squad has undergone in the summer transfer window. With 13 players departing and six new signings coming in, the Argentine manager needs time to fully implement his philosophy. The pre-season US tour will serve as a bigger test for the team, and Pochettino is actively working on bringing in players who fit his vision.
One promising signing who made an encouraging debut for Chelsea was Andrey Santos, a Brazilian defensive midfielder. Despite being loaned back to his former club Vasco de Gama in Brazil for the second half of last season, Santos looked comfortable in his new surroundings. His disciplined play and ability to dictate the tempo were promising signs for the Blues. If work permit issues are resolved, Santos could prove to be a shrewd acquisition.
The pre-season match also offered Chelsea fans a glimpse of their new striking options. Nicolas Jackson, signed from Villarreal for a hefty fee on an eight-year deal, showcased his lightning speed and set up Maatsen's early goal. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku struggled to make an impact but displayed his clinical finishing with a goal in the second half.
Defender Marc Cucurella, who expressed his desire to stay at Chelsea, had the opportunity to prove himself in two different positions during the match. He played the first half as a left-back before being replaced by Ben Chilwell and then returned to the pitch as a centre-back in the latter stages of the game. While he was not severely tested, Cucurella made a strong challenge when needed.
Overall, Chelsea's pre-season opener provided glimpses of the team's new signings and Pochettino's evolving tactical approach. As the team progresses through their US tour, more significant challenges lie ahead, and fans will be eager to see how the squad continues to develop under their new manager.
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