Jadon Sancho’s recent transfer to Chelsea has already shown promise, with the winger impressing his new manager, Enzo Maresca, both on and off the field. After completing a £25 million move from Manchester United on transfer deadline day, there was uncertainty about how Sancho would perform, considering his lack of Premier League action for over a year. However, he quickly made his mark in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, providing a crucial assist to Christopher Nkunku, signaling his potential impact on the team.
A Fresh Start Under Maresca
Sancho’s arrival at Chelsea has been met with optimism, especially given Maresca’s decision to give the former Borussia Dortmund winger a clean slate. Sources close to the club reveal that Maresca has been particularly impressed with Sancho’s attitude, describing him as a hard worker who arrived early for training and made efforts to connect with the staff at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.
Maresca’s positive man-management approach has helped Sancho settle in quickly. The Italian manager had a private conversation with Sancho, assuring him that his time at Manchester United would not define his future at Chelsea. This approach has evidently resonated with Sancho, who seems determined to rediscover his best form in a Chelsea shirt.
Sancho’s Training Impact
Sancho’s commitment has already been evident during his short time at the club. Although he didn’t train on Monday following his first Premier League game in over a year, this was part of a pre-planned recovery session. There were no injury concerns, and it was simply a measure to manage his workload after a long absence from the league. Chelsea expects him to be fully fit for their next fixture against West Ham United.
Despite his limited involvement so far, Sancho has caught the eye of Chelsea’s coaching staff. His assist against Bournemouth showcased his creative abilities, and his Bundesliga statistics from his time at Borussia Dortmund underline his potential. In the 2023/24 season, Sancho ranked first in his squad for dribbles per game and second for key passes, highlighting his ability to contribute both in terms of creativity and ball progression.
Chelsea’s Wing Options
Maresca is planning for a long season, with Chelsea potentially playing up to 70 games across various competitions, including the Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup, and Conference League. With such a demanding schedule, squad rotation will be essential. Sancho, along with Noni Madueke, has been identified as a key player on the flanks, allowing Chelsea to optimize their attack. Their presence on the wings also enables Cole Palmer to occupy a more central role as an advanced No. 8.
Sancho’s versatility and ability to play on either wing give Chelsea tactical flexibility, and his partnership with Nkunku is already showing signs of promise. The duo combined for the decisive goal against Bournemouth, and their growing understanding could prove crucial as the season
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