Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that Facundo Buonanotte might take Cole Palmer’s place in the starting lineup, but emphasised that the choice will be influenced by tactics, the opposition, and the flow of the game.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match against Brighton, Maresca emphasised the significance of balance in his squad selection and hinted at his confidence in the 19-year-old Argentine.
“Facundo Buonanotte can play in that position,” Maresca explained. “However, it varies depending on the game, the opposing team, and their defence. “It depends.”
Palmer’s Growing Influence
Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City, Cole Palmer has rapidly established himself as one of the club’s key players. The 22-year-old has not only scored and assisted, but he has also been the creative connection in Maresca’s system. Palmer was Chelsea’s leading scorer last season, with 16 league goals and 9 assists, making him one of the Premier League’s most successful offensive midfielders.
Losing a player of Palmer’s stature inevitably raises concerns about how Chelsea will adapt. His ability to glide into pockets of space, command tempo, and deliver critical moments has frequently made the difference in close games.
Why Buonanotte?
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca explains who may replace Cole Palmer in the starting XI.
Facundo Buonanotte, who joined on loan from Brighton, is considered as a player with good technical ability and smart decision-making. Despite being only 19, Maresca’s words hint that the Argentine may be offered opportunities in more high-pressure scenarios.
Buonanotte has primarily played off the bench this season, although he has shown flashes of inventiveness, particularly his ability to switch between midfield and attack. His style differs from Palmer’s, as he is less direct and focusses on maintaining possession and threading passes.
For Maresca, the choice may come down to the opposition. Against teams who defend deep, a more unpredictable and risky player may be required. Buonanotte’s coolness and technical security may be advantageous against high-press teams.
A manager who demands flexibility.
Maresca has consistently underlined the importance of tactical versatility at Chelsea. Since his arrival, he has urged players to rotate positions, interchange responsibilities during games, and provide multiple attacking options.
His comments about Palmer’s replacement support this philosophy: no single player is guaranteed a direct switch. Instead, the option will vary depending on the requirements of each match.
“We can’t just replace one player with another without thinking about the bigger picture,” Maresca said during a recent press conference. “Each game requires something different. That is what I want my guys to realise.
Chelsea fans will be curious to watch how Maresca handles this stretch without Palmer. Buonanotte’s opportunity could be career-defining. A successful performance in Palmer’s absence might speed up his progression at the club and position him as a real candidate for more frequent starts.
At the same time, Maresca may consider other options, such as moving Christopher Nkunku into a deeper role, giving academy graduates more minutes, or even changing the formation to create fresh attacking angles.
For the time being, the manager appears calm and confident, putting his trust in the group he has available. His willingness to examine Buonanotte demonstrates confidence in Chelsea’s younger players while also emphasising his commitment not to hurry tactical decisions.
Cole Palmer’s absence is a huge issue, but Enzo Maresca sees it as an opportunity to test his team’s versatility. Facundo Buonanotte may not be a household name yet, but with Maresca’s direction, he might play an important role in Chelsea’s future chapter.
What is certain is that Chelsea’s manager will not make changes merely for the sake of making them—each move will be done with the opposition and the overall tactical picture in mind.
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