Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has Liverpool blueprint after star's emphatic demonstration

Enzo Maresca has stamped his authority on Chelsea since his arrival over the summer, breathing a fresh lease of life into his squad after their torrid time under Mauricio Pochettino.

The ex-Leicester City boss has implemented his own style of play and looks to have settled on his first-choice starting 11. However, Maresca may need to buck his own trend ahead of the Blues’ trip to Anfield this weekend to face Arne Slot’s high-flying Liverpool.

The Chelsea boss has put his faith in Nicolas Jackson to lead the line for his side so far this season, with Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke completing the Blues’ frontline.

The Senegal international has justified the support of his manager, bagging four goals and registering three assists in seven Premier League appearances. But Jackson’s consistency has left no room for Christopher Nkunku.

The France international has been limited to just one top-flight start, with Maresca often bringing the ex-RB Leipzig star on as a late substitute and rotating him into his attack for cup competitions.

But Maresca may need to learn from the past and trust Nkunku to spearhead his side’s attack on Merseyside this week.

Liverpool cruised to a 4-1 win over Chelsea last season at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp’s side running riot against Pochettino’s injury-ridden ranks. Though there was a silver lining for Chelsea supporters.

Nkunku made a positive impact when brought on as a half-time substitution, scoring a consolation goal in the 71st minute and proving to be a difficult opponent for Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk to deal with.