Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has made it clear that one of his top priorities going forward is to bring in a senior figure capable of leading and stabilizing his youthful squad. In his view, what Chelsea currently lacks is a player of the caliber and influence of Liverpool’s defensive titan, Virgil van Dijk.
Known for their investment in youth, Chelsea boasts one of the youngest squads in the Premier League. While this provides long-term potential, Maresca believes that experience is the missing ingredient that can elevate his team to a more competitive level. As the Blues aim to bounce back from an underwhelming campaign, the Italian tactician is calling for a stronger veteran presence to bridge the gap between talent and consistency.
A Rough Season Highlights for Chelsea
The 2024/2025 season hasn’t gone according to plan for Chelsea. The team has struggled to find consistency, winning only seven of their last 18 Premier League matches. Maresca, who took over amid high expectations, has pointed to this inconsistency as a critical issue preventing Chelsea from competing with the league’s top sides.
In a recent interview, Maresca drew comparisons between Chelsea and clubs like Liverpool — a team that has managed to maintain elite performance levels throughout the campaign. He highlighted how senior figures like Van Dijk have been instrumental in Liverpool’s success, not just for their individual qualities, but for the leadership and composure they bring to the dressing room and the pitch.
“What separates us from teams like Liverpool is their ability to stay consistent,” Maresca admitted. “There were long stretches this season where we played very well, but then we’d drop points in games we should’ve controlled. That inconsistency is what holds us back.”
Liverpool’s Success: Built on Consistency and Leadership
Liverpool, now under the stewardship of Arne Slot, has been one of the most consistent teams in the 2024/2025 Premier League season. They’ve suffered just two losses in 34 matches, with only seven draws — a testament to their stability and mental resilience.
In contrast, Chelsea has faltered in crucial moments, recording eight defeats and nine draws in the same period. These numbers reflect the gap in reliability between the two clubs — a gap that Maresca believes can be reduced by adding players with proven experience at the highest level.
“There’s a big difference in how Liverpool manage games. It’s not just about tactics, it’s about mentality and maturity — areas where experienced players make a real difference,” Maresca explained.
The Van Dijk Factor: More Than Just a Defender
Maresca didn’t just reference Van Dijk for his defending skills, but for what he represents. Van Dijk is more than a world-class center-back — he’s a commanding leader, a vocal presence, and a calming influence during high-pressure situations. For a young Chelsea team still learning how to grind out results, a figure like Van Dijk could be transformative.
“Players like Virgil bring much more than footballing ability,” said Maresca. “They understand how to win, how to manage games, and how to influence those around them. That’s what we’re missing — someone who can lead by example, especially when things aren’t going our way.”
The Italian coach added that a team of talented youngsters can only go so far without guidance. In his eyes, a veteran leader sets the tone for work ethic, professionalism, and the winning mentality needed to push a team over the line in crucial fixtures.
Shaping the Future: Maresca’s Vision for Chelsea
Looking ahead, Maresca appears intent on building a more balanced squad — one that retains Chelsea’s youthful energy but is anchored by players who have walked the path of champions. He sees the addition of one or two seasoned pros not as a compromise, but as a necessary evolution of the club’s strategy.
He emphasized the importance of role models within the squad, especially those who have experienced success at the top level: “If you want to compete with clubs like Liverpool or Manchester City, it’s not enough to have potential. You need players who have been there, done it, and can show others how it’s done.”
Though he didn’t mention specific transfer targets, it’s evident that Maresca is in the market for individuals who bring leadership and a winning pedigree — players who can do for Chelsea what Van Dijk has done for Liverpool.
Enzo Maresca is reshaping Chelsea not just with tactical ideas, but with a clear understanding of what it takes to win consistently in the Premier League. For the Blues to move from promising to dominant, they’ll need more than talent — they’ll need leaders. And in Maresca’s eyes, a player like Virgil van Dijk is exactly what’s missing from his young, hungry squad.
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