Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has identified a significant selection headache brewing for manager Enzo Maresca, highlighting particular concerns around two of the club's expensive summer signings.
The £92m Problem
Chelsea's lavish summer spending spree, which saw the club invest over £300 million in new talent, has created an unexpected dilemma for the Italian manager. While the Blues strengthened their squad significantly after securing Champions League qualification and winning the Conference League, the concentration of talent in wide areas is now causing selection headaches.
The most expensive acquisition was Joao Pedro at £60 million, but Chelsea also committed substantial funds to five other players, each costing at least £30 million. Among these were three wingers: Estevao Willian, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, adding to what was already considered a well-stocked position.
Struggling Signings
While Estevao has immediately impressed and looks destined for stardom, his fellow new arrivals have found the transition to Stamford Bridge more challenging. Garnacho, who joined for £40 million from Manchester United, has managed just two goals since his arrival, while £52 million signing Gittens has found the net only once - with that solitary strike coming in the Carabao Cup.
Wright-Phillips, who enjoyed a successful period at Chelsea during his playing career, believes it's premature to label the Garnacho signing a mistake but acknowledges both players' struggles are becoming problematic.
"I wouldn't necessarily say it was a mistake to sign Garnacho, because he's clearly a good player," Wright-Phillips told Best Betting Sites. "I think Chelsea's problem is that they have about seven or eight wingers now. They're all good enough to get into other Premier League sides, but they need minutes on the pitch."
Confidence and Consistency
The former England international emphasised the importance of regular football for developing players' confidence and form, drawing from his own experiences. "I remember that I was always better if I was playing more regularly. I just grew into every occasion," he explained.
Wright-Phillips specifically highlighted Gittens as a player who thrives on confidence and instinct, qualities that require consistent game time to flourish. "Those kinds of players need to play regularly. At this Chelsea squad now, that chance doesn't really happen, so they have to find a way to keep these players ready no matter how much or how little they are playing."
He noted that Pedro Neto currently stands as the exception among Chelsea's wingers, describing him as "continuously playing and basically hard to drop" due to his consistently impressive performances.
Success Despite Selection Headaches
Despite these challenges, Chelsea have enjoyed an impressive first half to the season. The Blues sit second in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's crucial London derby against leaders Arsenal, while also occupying seventh position in the Champions League following a significant victory over Barcelona.
Wright-Phillips believes the pressure rests firmly with Arsenal as they prepare to visit Stamford Bridge, though he still considers Mikel Arteta's side favourites. "I'd say Arsenal are the team most under pressure," the ex-England star added. "They know they're top, and they've got a chasing pack ready for them to make mistakes."
He described the upcoming match as a potential "statement" occasion for Chelsea, suggesting that victory would convince the squad they're genuine title contenders. "A win there, and they will believe that they are real challengers for the title," Wright-Phillips stated.
However, he tempered expectations by acknowledging Arsenal's formidable defensive record and overall strength. "Having said that, I think Arsenal are the favourites. They've only conceded a handful in the Premier League and at times they just look unbreakable."
The stage is set for a compelling encounter at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea hoping to replicate last season's 1-1 draw against the Gunners, when Neto cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli's opener.
