Enzo Maresca doesn’t exactly strike you as a poker player, but make no mistake—he’s hiding an ace up his immaculately tailored sleeve. With Chelsea set to face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, the Italian could finally unleash Romeo Lavia, the 21-year-old midfield metronome who has spent more time in Cobham’s rehab room than on the pitch. But hey, at least he’s well-rested, right?
The Blues squeaked out a 1-0 win over Benfica in midweek, and the mood in west London has gone from “doomscrolling on Twitter” to “maybe I’ll actually check the league table.” Meanwhile, Liverpool have dropped two straight, but if you think Jürgen Klopp’s successor is showing up with a pity party, you clearly haven’t watched this team.
Enzo Maresca plays the waiting game
Maresca has been easing Lavia back like a cautious parent teaching a kid to ride a bike—lots of encouragement, minimal actual risk. The Belgian was an unused sub against Benfica, but his presence in training suggests Saturday could finally be his curtain call. And let’s be real, Chelsea’s midfield without him has often looked like a group project where no one knows who’s bringing the slides.
According to sources, the Blues boss is seriously considering throwing Lavia into the cauldron. And why not? Last season, the kid actually dictated play against Liverpool, proving he can hold his own when the chaos hits DEFCON 1.
Enzo Maresca and the Liverpool puzzle
Maresca knows Liverpool aren’t a team you casually dismantle like IKEA furniture. He praised their resilience, especially given their off-field struggles, but also admitted Chelsea’s home win last season gave him a blueprint. Still, as he put it, “every game is different”—which is coach-speak for “I have no idea what’s going to happen, but please don’t quote me on that.”
Author’s opinion: Chelsea’s gamble could pay off
Look, throwing Lavia into the fire could backfire spectacularly. But if Chelsea are going to rattle Liverpool, it won’t come from another cautious shuffle of the deck. Maresca needs boldness, and he knows it. Lavia offers rhythm, control, and maybe even a bit of swagger. If it works, Stamford Bridge will sound like it’s 2012 all over again. If not? Well, at least Chelsea fans can go back to blaming the medical staff.
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