Sterling Shines Under Maresca While Chilwell Faces Uncertain Future - Chelsea's Pre-Season Tour Winners and Losers

Chelsea’s Pre-Season Tour in the USA: Winners and Losers

The Blues have concluded their pre-season tour in the United States, having played four matches that revealed key insights into the squad’s readiness for the upcoming season. Chelsea faced a range of opponents, securing a 3-0 victory over Club America, a 2-2 draw with Wrexham, and suffering defeats to Manchester City and Celtic.

Sterling Shines Under Maresca’s System

Chelsea's final game against Real Madrid offers a chance for a morale boost. Despite only one win in four games, Raheem Sterling’s performances have been a standout. Coming off the bench against Celtic, he immediately made an impact, hitting the post and winning a penalty. He also scored a superb volley against his former club. Sterling’s familiarity with Maresca’s possession-based, positional play football, reminiscent of his time under Pep Guardiola, suggests he could rediscover his best form at Stamford Bridge.

Nkunku’s Impressive Form

Christopher Nkunku is another player who has caught the eye. The £60 million signing from RB Leipzig scored three goals in four games and managed to stay injury-free, a stark contrast to his injury-plagued previous season. His playmaking ability and influence have been crucial, even drawing comparisons to Eden Hazard with his impressive runs and playmaking. If he can maintain this form, he’ll be a key player for Chelsea in the upcoming season.

Madueke’s Strong Case for a Starting Spot

Noni Madueke has also used the pre-season to silence his critics. Despite rumors of a potential £35 million move to Newcastle, Madueke has delivered electrifying performances on the right flank. His contributions, including a goal and an assist against Manchester City, have strengthened his claim for a regular spot in Maresca’s new 3-2-4-1 formation. If he continues this form, he could become an important figure in Chelsea’s attacking setup.

Chilwell’s Uncertain Future

Conversely, Ben Chilwell’s future at Chelsea looks uncertain. The left-back has been linked with a move to Manchester United and has had limited opportunities in the pre-season under Maresca. With Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella also in the mix, Chilwell has found himself on the fringes, making only brief substitute appearances. Maresca’s admission that he hasn't found a role for Chilwell yet could signal a potential departure for the 27-year-old.

Conclusion

As Chelsea returns to London, the performances from the USA tour provide a mixed bag of optimism and concern. While players like Sterling, Nkunku, and Madueke have bolstered