Maresca reveals why £100m Chelsea duo are struggling for game time

Enzo Maresca faces a challenging dilemma that has left him in a bind: how to integrate two highly talented players, Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix, into his successful Premier League line-up.

Despite being acquired for a combined fee exceeding £100 million, the duo has struggled to secure regular spots in league fixtures. This situation has led Maresca to express his "shame" over their limited involvement.

Starting lineup preferences

Maresca's current strategy has been to rely on a consistent attacking setup that has brought positive results. Nicolas Jackson has been the go-to central striker, supported by Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Pedro Neto in the wide areas. This formation, while effective, has inadvertently sidelined Nkunku and Felix, leaving them with minimal opportunities to shine in league matches.

Nkunku, who joined from RB Leipzig for £52 million, has so far managed just one Premier League start this season. Felix, acquired from Atletico Madrid for £46.3 million, finds himself in an even more precarious position, with no league starts and only 117 minutes of Premier League action.

Cup competition impact

While league appearances have been scarce, both Nkunku and Felix have demonstrated their worth in cup competitions. Their combined tally of 11 goals and one assist across all tournaments underscores their attacking capabilities. Felix, in particular, made a significant impact in the Europa Conference League, scoring twice in a standout performance against Panathinaikos.

Tactical considerations

Addressing the selection conundrum, Maresca explained his tactical approach:

"I would like to give him more minutes in the Premier League. We need defensive balance. We cannot play with Joao, Cole, and Chris. I'd like to put all of them on the pitch but then you also have to defend."

Maresca noted that Nkunku was a standout performer during pre-season, excelling as an attacking midfielder. However, the French international is now tasked with adapting to a striker role, which is not his preferred position. This shift adds another layer of complexity to the selection puzzle.

The situation is further complicated by other squad members, such as Mykhailo Mudryk, who is also seeking for more Premier League minutes. Maresca remains optimistic, believing that consistent strong performances from both Nkunku and Felix will eventually lead to increased league opportunities.