It was the first minutes of Sancho’s career in blue and he has already started to prove his detractors at United wrong, but the club can go some way to accommodating him as a potential star player.
Express Sport has taken a look at how Chelsea can help Sancho finally realise the potential he promised at Borussia Dortmund, though one or two of his team-mates may suffer as a consequence.
In less than 20 minutes the connection between Sancho and Nkunku was evident and the Frenchman could hold the key to Sancho’s improvement. He was found by a sharp-thinking Sancho inside the area, with the space to turn and fire past Mark Travers to take an encouraging three points on the south coast.
With Cole Palmer naturally inclined to drift to the right flank and Nicolas Jackson through the middle, combined with a more defensive-minded full-back in Marc Cucurella, Sancho could find himself isolated at times on the left.
But with Nkunku more than willing to vacant the space at the top of the pitch to combine with Sancho, they could strike up a formidable partnership to leave Jackson ousted from the starting lineup.
Christopher Nkunku and Jadon Sancho celebrating together. (Image: Getty)
Recall Chilwell from ‘bomb squad’
At United, Sancho was hampered by playing on the right flank with a full-back behind him who would prefer to move either into midfield, or stay behind the winger, often to the detriment of a forward who would benefit from an overlapping team-mate in support.
Cucurella and Renato Veiga have rendered Ben Chilwell surplus to requirements this season, but the former England and Leicester star is the only player in the squad who fits the mould and provides another attacking threat.
Maresca would have to swallow his pride by recalling Chilwell, given his public dressing down of last season’s vice-captain, but such a decision may be for the greater good of the club.
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Put an arm around Sancho’s shoulder
Erik ten Hag’s tough-love approach spectacularly failed and allowed Chelsea to sign Sancho for a relatively modest price. While at Dortmund, both prior to his big-money United move and back on loan last season, Sancho shined with the collective support of those around him.
Maresca has had no issue making enemies during his short time in west London, but giving Sancho support rather than scolding him may see the Italian head coach avoid making the same mistake as Ten Hag.
