Chelsea have found their 'next Luis Suarez' who could save Enzo Maresca millions

The teenage sensation from Barcelona, Marc Guiu, made it all seem effortless – dazzling observers and earning high praise from a Chelsea icon. The young talent netted a superb first-half hat-trick in the game against Shamrock Rovers, with Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Cucurella adding to the tally.

The prolific Guiu, a £5million summer recruit from Barca, has now notched up six goals in six matches in the UEFA Conference League.

Commenting for TNT Sport, ex-Blues star Joe Cole was effusive in his plaudits: “This kid can score goals. He can be a big star for this club. How have Barcelona let him go?”

He even drew parallels with a football great, adding: “I liken Marc Guiu to Luis Suarez. I’m not saying he is Suarez now. But he haș that instinct and bravery. I think he can go all the way. I think Barcelona have made a mistake!”

Guiu set records before hitting 18, becoming the youngest scorer on his debut for Barcelona. His eyes are now set on making waves in the Premier League and saving the club millions by ensuring they do not need to sign another striker.

Head coach Enzo Maresca shed light on Guiu’s frustration, given the impressive form of teammates Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, “Marc is a bit unhappy as Nicolas (Jackson) and Christopher (Nkunku) are doing well. With Marc the problem is we forget the age. He knows it is not easy for him with Nicolas and Christopher there.”

Yet, the youngster is grasping his opportunities with a firm resolve. Maresca couldn’t hide his optimism: “But he is taking his chances. I’m very excited for the future. It was a good chance for the young players.”

With qualification secured for the last 16 after five wins, Maresca enjoyed the privilege to experiment with the squad.

Their unbeaten streak leaves them as formidable contenders for European glory. Up next is an intriguing clash at Goodison Park against an Everton side invigorated by the Friedkin Group’s recent acquisition.

Chelsea’s youthful squad faced a formidable challenge against Ireland’s top club, yet Mykhailo Mudryk was notably absent from the lineup due to a provisional ban after failing a drug test. Despite this setback, the Blues missed an early opportunity as Johnny Kenny failed to capitalise on a golden chance.

However, fortune favoured Chelsea when Darragh Burns’ mistake led to Shamrock keeper Leon Pohls being caught off guard, allowing Guiu to seize the moment and score. The Dublin side struck back with Markus Poom’s deflected goal causing chaos among the visiting fans, but their joy was short-lived as Daniel Cleary’s misguided backpass gifted Guiu his second of the night.

Before the break, Dewsbury-Hall extended the lead, benefiting from a tackle on Nkunku by Pico Lopes. Guiu then notched a hat-trick with a fine header, and Cucurella rounded off the scoring with a strike from distance.

Post-match, Dewsbury-Hall commented: “People will say we are big favourites to win it and we probably are. It is a good vibe at the moment.”

Rovers’ manager Stephen Bradley reflected on the defeat, saying: “At this level mistakes get punished. If they want to, Chelsea can win this competition.”