Chelsea 5-0 Wrexham: 3 lessons learned from pre-season tour win
By Abdul Abdullahi
Towards the end, Marc Cucurella returned to the field, this time as a left center-back, as Pochettino experimented with a back three formation with Ben Chilwell as the wing-back.
Overall, the match showcased Chelsea’s commitment to a high-pressing game, defending from the front to disrupt Wrexham’s rhythm effectively. This promising display gave fans an encouraging glimpse into Pochettino’s vision for the team.
Ian Maatsen impresses, deserves a chance in the first team
Following an immensely successful loan spell at Burnley last season, where he scored four goals and provided six assists, Maatsen’s future at the capital was uncertain. Speculation suggested he might be sent out on loan to Chelsea’s extensive network of clubs or even transferred to another English team permanently.
Reports indicated that West Ham was among the interested parties, and on Wednesday, Maatsen seemingly caught the attention of Hammers’ manager David Moyes. He netted two goals and showcased his pace and skill out wide, becoming the primary creative force for a relatively subdued blue side of London in the first half, justifying the Man of the Match award.
Despite his ability to also play at his preferred position at left-back, Maatsen is part of a surplus of attacking players at Chelsea, all vying for limited playing time this season. With no European competitions to offer additional opportunities, the competition for minutes is expected to be fierce. Nonetheless, this strong performance was an excellent beginning for a player who might otherwise have struggled to find opportunities.
Next. 3 standouts from Chelsea’s dominant first preseason matchup. dark
After a convincing five-star victory over Wrexham in Mauricio Pochettino’s managerial debut, CFC is gearing up to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League Summer Series. The match between the two teams will take place at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.