Chelsea star who touched the ball just 32 times in Milan win faces axe vs Crystal Palace
A Chelsea star is under pressure after failing to impress during the Blues’ pre-season win over AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea cruised to a comfortable 4-1 victory over the Serie A side, with a red card to the visitors in the first half helping matters.
An own goal and a Joao Pedro strike raced Chelsea into a two-goal lead before Liam Delap netted twice in the second half.
Maresca still has issues to iron out in the squad despite the impressive nature of victory, with one summer signing potentially faced with being dropped from the starting line-up.
Jamie Gittens stats vs Milan ring alarm bells at Chelsea
Jamie Gittens arrived from Borussia Dortmund this summer, though he is already under pressure to deliver following a poor performance against AC Milan.
The 21-year-old started on the left flank and whilst Pedro Neto assisted from down the right, Gittens struggled to get into the game.
Against a side playing with ten men, the fact Gittens couldn’t perform as well as his attacking team mates did will be a concern for Maresca.
| Minutes Played | 73 |
| Total Shots | 3 |
| Shots on Target | 0 |
| Chances Created | 1 |
| Touches | 32 |
Gittens was also dispossessed three times and lost six of his eight ground duels, something he will need to improve to match the physical nature of the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca ponders Jamie Gittens move
Gittens had the chance to impress Maresca, but now the manager has a decision to make ahead of the first Premier League match against Crystal Palace.
Fellow winger Estevao came on in the second half against AC Milan to great effect, with the 18-year-old looking confident and wanting to create chances.
The Brazilian looked sharper and hungrier than whilst Gittens was on the pitch.
With a short pre-season programme which only included two games, Maresca will likely stick with Gittens and give him time in the Premier League to showcase his qualities.
Estevao though will be waiting eagerly to pounce should he be given an opportunity to come off the bench or start a match.
Maresca will need to use his full squad with the return of Champions League football and Chelsea wanting to compete again at the top of the Premier League.
Gittens therefore needs to perform or be faced with dropping to the bench.