ENZO MARESCA has been urged to make room in his starting line-up for Joao Felix by Chelsea fans.
The summer signing impressed in the Blues 5-0 hammering of Barrow in the Carabao Cup.
Felix, 24, rejoined the club in the summer on a permanent transfer from Atletico Madrid.
The attacker set up Christopher Nkunku’s first goal with a delightful chipped pass.
He was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet as his 25-yard free-kick rattled off the post and went in via a deflection off Paul Farman’s back.
The performance would have certainly put him in Maresca’s thoughts ahead of the Premier League clash against Brighton and Hove Albion.
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Felix’s outing in the Carabao Cup was his first start for the club this season and fans believe he should be regular from the off.
Many are convinced that Maresca should find a space for the Portuguese international ahead of “whoever”.
One fan posted: “Bench whoever we have to to play Felix. Doesn’t matter who, he can’t be on the bench EVER.”
A second wrote: “That’s exactly why I wanted Felix back. Special player.”
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A third commented: “Felix is cooking.”
A fourth said: “Joao my man feeling the vibe.”
Another added: “I want a Joao Felix start against Brighton. I don’t care who goes to the bench as long as it’s not Cole or Jadon.”
Nkunku also impressed in the match as he bagged himself a hat-trick.
The result means that Chelsea have now won three on the bounce without conceding a goal.
The first victory in the run was the 1-0 against Bournemouth before beating West Ham 3-0 on Saturday.
Maresca and co will be hoping to continue the run as they take on the Seagulls in the Premier League.
Chelsea player ratings vs Barrow
JOAO FELIX and Christopher Nkunku stole the show as Chelsea thrashed Barrow in the Carabao Cup.
A hat-trick from Nkunku along with goals from Felix and Pedro Neto secured a 5-0 third round win at Stamford Bridge.
Here’s how the starting XI rated…
Filip Jorgensen – 6
Looked shaky as Barrow launched a string of early throw-ins into the box. Forced into a smart stop down to his right at the start of the second half but otherwise untroubled.
Malo Gusto – 7
Lack of threat from visitors allowed him freedom of the right flank and the full-back regularly posed a threat as he linked up with Neto.
Axel Disasi – 6
Unconvincing in possession despite little pressure but performed defensive duties throughout in solid partnership with Benoit Badiashile.
Benoit Badiashile – 6
Barely troubled by Barrow forward Emile Acquah. Assured in possession and showed his passing range by switching play to his wingers when available.
Renato Veiga – 6
Looked a class above when stepping into midfield when Chelsea were in possession but far from convincing in defence. Gave away several needless free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Cesare Casadei – 7
Shaky at first on his maiden Chelsea touch before growing into the game in the centre of the park.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7
Afforded plenty of time and space on the ball for much of the game and even came close to a goal of his own.
Pedro Neto – 7
Link-up play with Malo Gusto was a constant threat down the right. Finished off a flowing team move for his first Chelsea goal.
Joao Felix – 8
Unlocked the Barrow defence with a beautiful scooped pass to set up Nkunku’s opener. Followed it up with a perfectly placed free-kick off the post to put his side 3-0 up before half-time.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 7
Gave Chelsea an outlet with his pace down the left, showed to perfection as he raced away before squaring for Neto to score moments into the second half.
Christopher Nkunku – 9
Showed his clinical edge in front of goal by grabbing a hat-trick with three well-taken strikes inside the penalty area, including an exquisite back-heeled flick into the corner.
Subs
Ben Chilwell (45’ for Gusto) – 6
Given a rapturous reception on his return from the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’. Tightened up the left-hand side for the Blues, with Veiga moving to central defence.
Tyrique George (63’ for Neto) – 6
Dragged a brilliant chance to score his first Chelsea goal wide of the post. Later denied by Farman as he showed promise down the right.
Josh Acheampong (63’ for Disasi) – 6
Slotted into the back four with ease and executed his defensive duties on his second senior appearance.
Marc Guiu (76′ for Nkunku) – 6
Continued to provide a threat to the tiring Barrow defence late on.
Carney Chukwuemeka (76′ for Felix) – 6
Quickly imposed himself on the action with several powerful runs through midfield to drive the hosts forward.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
