Enzo Maresca says Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson and Joao Pedro all understand the responsibility that comes with leading the Chelsea attack, while also praising the impact Moises Caicedo has within the Blues side.
The depth and quality of our frontline was bolstered last week after Joao Pedro completed a move from Brighton and Hove Albion. The Brazil international then impressed on debut in our victory over Palmeiras in the quarter-finals.
Delap started that game while Jackson was an unused substitute after his return to his squad. The former will be unable to feature against Fluminense tomorrow evening, however, having collected two yellow cards during the tournament.
It means Maresca has a decision to make over who leads his frontline as we bid to make the Club World Cup final. Yet the Blues head coach says each player knows the expectations that come with being a striker for Chelsea.
‘For sure, I think Joao, Liam and Nico, the ones we have in this moment, they know exactly about being the No.9 at Chelsea,’ Maresca said during his pre-match press conference.
‘I have said many times, in my mind and idea, I prefer to have four or five players scoring 10 or 12 goals each than one player scoring 40 goals.
‘You could see in the season, what we have done with Noni [Madueke], what we have done with Enzo Fernandez, and we expect next season more goals from all our attacking players. But the ones who play as a nine with us, they know exactly Chelsea’s history.’
Specifically on Joao Pedro, our head coach believes the Brazilian can bring extra versatility to the Chelsea attack.
Maresca continued: ‘Joao Pedro can play all the attacking positions for us. He can play wide, he can play inside the pitch, he can play as a nine. I see Nico just as a nine, while I see Joao in different positions.’
Meanwhile, Caicedo could return to our starting XI against Fluminense after the Ecuadorian missed our quarter-final clash due to suspension.
And Maresca has praised the impact the midfielder has within the side. ‘Moi has been one of the best players of the season, and he is a very important player for us and his team-mate,' the Italian said.
'Fortunately, we also have Romeo (Lavia) and we used Andrey Santos in that position [against Palemiras]. We are quite happy, but we are happier when Moi is in the team.’
Tickets are available to see our Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense in New Jersey and can be purchased from FIFA here. You can also watch the game live anywhere in the world via DAZN by signing up for free here.