Chelsea vs. Wrexham; Ian Maatsen

Chelsea started their pre-season fixture with a massive win. As Chelsea vs Wrexham ended in a 5-0 victory for the West London club.

Mauricio Pochettino’s troops played with a high level of winning spirit. The Argentine gaffer wisely made use of the youngsters in the squad.

Of course, it was just a club friendly. Nevertheless, there are many lessons to be learned from the game, as the Blues played comfortably.

Chelsea vs. Wrexham is expected to favor the Premier League side. Regardless, Mauricio Pochettino’s men showed they are ready for the 2023-2024 season.

The West London club won 5-0 in North Carolina. Meanwhile, Ian Maatsen had a brace, while the likes of Ben Chilwell, Christopher Nkunku, and Conor Gallagher were also on the scoresheet.

Of course, it was a brilliant and flawless way for Chelsea to start their pre-season. The manager used the 4-2-3-1 formation, giving enough space in the midfield.

Ian Maatsen won the Man of the Match award, after scoring a brace. Amazingly, the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Ângelo Gabriel, Raheem Sterling, and others registered assists.

Wrexham may be a low side for the West London club. However, the Blues showed that they have enough threats in attack, after watching the 90 minutes.

Chelsea vs. Wrexham: Players with impressive performances in their 5-0 victory 

  • Ângelo Gabriel
  • Cesare Casadei
  • Malo Gusto
  • Nicolas Jackson
  • Ian Maatsen
  • Christopher Nkunku
  • Diego Moreira

These players showed their abilities in North Carolina. Which means the West London club already have enough reinforcements to play next season.

Chelsea vs. Wrexham: Five things we learned from the massive 5-0 victory

1. Mauricio Pochettino’s 4-2-3-1 formation 

The Argentine manager made the 4-at-the-back setup easy against Wrexham. He allowed the player to press very well, with fullbacks pushing forward.

Despite using many young players in the first-half. The Blues were totally in control of the midfield, chasing the ball left, right, and center on the pitch.

Still on the 4-2-3-1, Mauricio Pochettino played Carney Chukwuemeka as an attacking midfielder. He aligned very well with Nicolas Jackson.

As a result, the Argentine gaffer will definitely use a creative No.10 next season. Because he would want to dictate the team’s attack from the midfield.

2. Ângelo Gabriel, the priceless jewel

The 18-year-old Brazilian attacker literally stole the show when he was subbed on. Gabriel showed that he has many things in common with Neymar.

Despite the presence of other attackers on the pitch. Ângelo changed the team’s offensiveness, being very quick on the ball and creating chances.

Surprisingly, Ângelo Gabriel registered an assist in Chelsea vs. Wrexham. Regardless of his age, he’s most likely to stay at Stamford Bridge next season.

The Brazilian youngster would have registered 2 assists. However, Raheem Sterling failed to convert one of his crosses, connecting with Nkunku brilliantly.

Chelsea vs. Wrexham; Ian Maatsen

3. Ian Maatsen’s versatility

As a result of the many left-backs in the squad. Ian Maatsen was forced to play as a left winger in the first 45 minutes, showing his class from the left flank.

Even though he literally played out of position. The Blues academy product single-handedly ran the show for Chelsea in the first-half of the game.

Ian Maatsen scored the two goals in the first 45 minutes in North Carolina. As a result, he was able to grab the Man of the Match award in the club friendly game.

His presence would give Mauricio Pochettino a headache in selection. However, he fits perfectly into the manager’s style of play better than Marc Cucurella.

4. Malo Gusto, ideal backup for Reece James

In all fairness, the West London club were so wise to sign the Frenchman last season. He stood up very well in the absence of Reece James.

Of course, the English right-back is currently ill. Therefore, he didn’t travel with Mauricio Pochettino’s troops for their pre-season tour.

Meanwhile, Malo Gusto locked down the right-back position against Wrexham. He understood the 4-2-3-1 formation better.

Speaking of the manager’s style of play. The Blues new signing pushed forward very well, connecting with the attackers up front.

5. Cesare Casadei, the special wonderkid

The 20-year-old Italian midfielder played as a double pivot with Andrey Santos. They both ran the show for Chelsea in the midfield.

However, Cesare Casadei showcased his potential on Thursday. He was brilliantly offensive, and, at the same time, defensive.

Even though he played as a double pivot. The Italian youngster was able to register an assist, orchestrating Chelsea’s fourth goal from Christopher Nkunku.

Cesare Casadei has many loan offers this summer transfer window. However, he’s most likely to stay with the first-team, having seen his display against Wrexham.

One thought on “Chelsea 5-0 Wrexham: Five things learned from Chelsea first pre-season game”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

sticky footer ad.txt Displaying sticky footer ad.txt.