Shaun Wright-Phillips warns Enzo Maresca he could have a “problem” with two summer signings

Former Blue Shaun Wright-Phillips believes the size of the Chelsea squad is causing problems Enzo Maresca and two of their summer signings.

Chelsea invested heavily once again over the summer, and completely revamped their front line with five new attacking signings.

Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Buonanotte all arrived, whilst Estevao joined as well despite a deal being agreed in 2024.

Shaun Wright-Phillips on problem facing Enzo Maresca

Competition for places is fierce at Chelsea, but given the amount of rotation Enzo Maresca does, there are plenty of opportunities for squad players.

The signings have had varying degrees of success so far, with Estevao hitting the ground running, whilst Pedro has also done well.

Garnacho has had some good games at the start of the season. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Delap’s start has been plagued by injury, but he’s now fit again, whilst Garnacho and Gittens have shown moments, but have struggled for consistency.

Wright-Phillips a former winger at Chelsea himself feels the inconsistencies of Garnacho and Gittens are becoming a problem for Maresca.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say it was a mistake to sign Garnacho, because he’s clearly a good player,” he said as quoted on X.com.

“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.”

Wingers need more game time

Wright-Phillips is concerned the wide players aren’t getting enough game time for them to perform at their best on a regular basis.

“They need games. I remember that I was always better if I was playing more regularly. I just grew into every occasion,” he added.

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“I think some of those wingers, it could be similar. They need to be on the pitch regularly to be at their best. I think Jamie Gittens seems like one of those players who needs their confidence high, and he works off his instincts.

“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.

“Because the only one at the minute I would say that is actually thriving is Pedro Neto. And he’s continuously playing and he’s basically hard to drop.”