Chelsea shatter Premier League record with another youthful starting XI as Enzo Maresca puts trust in young stars
CHELSEA have shattered a Premier League record after fielding the youngest average starting XI ever against Newcastle.
Enzo Maresca has made a strong start to his time at Stamford Bridge, sitting three points off the top four before kick-off.
Cole Palmer won Young Premier League Player of the Year after last season’s heroics
Enzo Maresca has fielded the youngest XI of the season
Chelsea named the youngest average starting XI in the Prem this season (23 years, 220 days) for their clash against Eddie Howe‘s outfit.
Not only that, the Blues are the only team in history to play their first eight games without a single player over the age of 27.
The last youngest XI was David O’Leary’s Leed United who had an average age of 24 years, 162 days when they finished in Europe in 2000.
Midfielder Romeo Lavia, 20, was youngest Chelsea starter on Sunday, while defenders Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill are just 21 years old.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is the oldest member of the XI at 26 years old.
Nicolas Jackson, who fired in an 18th opener against visitors Newcastle, is 23.
But Tosin Adarabioyo has been their oldest player so far this season at 27.
Chelsea’s youngest Prem squad player is Marc Guiu, who is just 18-years-old.
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The Blues are the only team in the league to not have a single outfield player over 30.
On Chelsea‘s tough fixture list, Maresca said: “We need to play against all of them.
“We have met Liverpool and now have three games in a row against Newcastle, Man Utd and Arsenal but the Premier League is tough.
“You can see Bournemouth last weekend, Wolves last weekend. Always the Premier League is tough.”
Captain Reece James, 24, was back in the starting line up again after returning from hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield last Sunday.
Chelsea ratings vs Panathinaikos: Mudryk gives rare glimpse of his talent but one defender struggles
CHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos.
Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.
Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku.
However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation.
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…
Filip Jorgensen – 7
Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start.
Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet.
Axel Disasi – 5
Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts.
Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick.
Benoit Badiashile – 5
Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede.
Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central.
Renato Veiga – 6
Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.
Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession.
Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7
Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance.
Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband.
Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure.
Pedro Neto – 7
A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.
May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.
Christopher Nkunku – 7
Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.
Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 9
Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix.
Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all.
Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again.
Joao Felix – 8
Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home.
Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.
SUBS
Tyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7
Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on.
Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5
Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.
Cesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5
Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday.
Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5
Got the final stages but game all over by then.
