Only 28 days after Chelsea wrapped up an eventful 2024/25 season in the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, preparations were ramped up for the upcoming campaign.  

A shortened pre-season lasts only two weeks before the start of the Premier League season in what will be another unprecedented challenge to take on. Enzo Maresca’s side handled the difficult weather and travel conditions well in the United States following a long season, and more micro-managing will be needed this term.

Thus, Chelsea ended their pre-season preparations with a resounding 4-1 win over AC Milan to cap off a pair of dominant performances following a 2-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen two days earlier.

Having led the Blues to a top-four finish, the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup in his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, Maresca’s stock has rapidly improved. Hence, the Italian will be the first manager to lead Chelsea into back-to-back seasons in the fourth campaign of the Boehly/Clearlake ownership.

Fielding the youngest ever starting XI in the Premier League last term at 24 years and 36 days old, Chelsea are on an upward trajectory. 

The Club World Cup champions host Community Shield winners Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener on Sunday, August 17, in a mouth-watering London derby. There is a chance to start on a good note in front of an upbeat Stamford Bridge crowd. 

The new boys are alright 

The likes of Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Joao Pedro, Dario Essugo, Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos have been added to the Chelsea squad, with positive signs all through. 

Pedro continued his fine form in royal blue as he netted two glorious finishes in the friendly games, adding to his three goals in as many CWC appearances. Against Milan, the Brazilian headed home Pedro Neto’s inviting cross and the variety of his goals so far will fill Chelsea fans with confidence as he is showing the hunger, skill, aggression, creativity and dynamism to lead the line for the Blues.

While he is now seen as the first-choice striker, young compatriot Estevao Willian is living up to the buzz and excitement leading up to his arrival. The 18-year-old boasts confidence with the ball at his feet with his dribbling, vision and unpredictability already suggesting he is capable of commanding a starting spot in the near future. 

Significantly, Maresca shared his minutes on the right wing and in the number 10, but he looked much better as a winger than in attacking midfield. He will need to bulk up physically and develop his game understanding before he can thrive centrally. 

On the flank, Estevao repeatedly found joy twisting and turning to create for the team, rather than needing to receive the ball on the half-turn into crowded midfield areas. Nonetheless, a natural chemistry with star-man Cole Palmer was clear to see against Leverkusen and long may it continue.

Elsewhere, Gittens has given a healthy account of himself with his use of speed and direct dribbling, although his end product was lacking during pre-season. 

Hato was only deployed as an inverted left-back but other elements of his game will unravel with more game time. Another ‘backup’ arrival in Essugo has also been impressive as he looks ready to cover for Moises Caicedo’s industry in front of the backline. 

Meanwhile, Delap will also represent healthy competition up top as his physical presence provides a different dynamic in Maresca’s attacking options. The 22-year-old is often less involved in the build-up play, but he has shown that he can deliver with sufficient service having found the net against Esperance and twice against Milan on the eve of the season. 

Chelsea certainly have multiple styles and profiles to adapt to the various threats posed by opponents throughout the campaign. 

Defensive shake-up 

The defence has always been considered Chelsea’s greatest weakness, with self-inflicted errors at the back costing them many points last term. Some point to Robert Sanchez and others blame the lack of a world-class centre-back as the reason why Chelsea cannot win the Premier League title.

That feeling has been amplified by the loss of Levi Colwill for the majority of the season after an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury. It appears the state of their backline will be what differentiates Chelsea from a successful title charge this season. 

How they replace Colwill could yet offer the answer, thankfully, Maresca already considers this a ‘priority’ as he will be missing a budding leader and a key component of his team’s build-up play. 

Trevoh Chalobah also limped off against AC Milan after rolling his ankle in the second half, but eased any injury fears by confirming he was okay after the game.

As Maresca looks for solutions in Colwill’s absence, Josh Acheampong has stepped up in the pecking order. The 19-year-old spent considerable minutes at left centre-back during pre-season and he continues to look the part with how comfortable he is in possession.

Should Chelsea refuse to recruit another defender and look inwards, Acheampong must be handed more responsibility even though he isn’t the finished article.

Tosin Adarabioyo must step up in a playing capacity, although same cannot be said for Wesley Fofana with huge doubts over his availability after frequent spells out injured. One player who can be completely ruled out of consideration is Renato Veiga, who is still expected to leave despite a space opening up in his natural position.

Otherwise, Marc Guehi would prove a shrewd addition with a return to Chelsea very feasible as he enters the final year of his Crystal Palace contract. The 25-year-old is currently England’s first-choice centre-back and the offer of leading Chelsea’s backline could be too good to turn down. 

State of play

When all is said and done, Chelsea have been able to record 12th, sixth and fourth-place finishes in three full seasons under the current ownership. Their steady improvement has gained some momentum and is now beginning to catch the eye of rivals and observers.  

The expectation levels have already gone up given Maresca’s technical prowess, fitness management and overall handling of the squad, with two trophies validating his first season at the helm.  

Despite the massive investment in this team, significant trust shown in the manager and Chelsea’s heralded appetite for silverware, this remains a very young side. 

They are expected to challenge on all fronts in 2025/26, but how high their ceiling will go is yet unknown, given the age and profile of the squad. 

Notwithstanding, this Chelsea squad is developing a fantastic team spirit which will be vital in overcoming tough challenges domestically and in the Champions League.