Chelsea News: Enzo Maresca Hints Facundo Buonanotte Could Replace Cole Palmer in Starting XI
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has hinted that Facundo Buonanotte could step into Cole Palmer’s role in the starting lineup, but stressed that the final decision will depend on tactics, the opponent, and the demands of each game.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Brighton, Maresca emphasized the importance of maintaining balance in his team while expressing trust in the 19-year-old Argentine.
“Facundo Buonanotte can play in that position,” Maresca explained. “But it depends a little bit on the game, the other team, and how they defend. It depends.”
Cole Palmer’s Influence at Chelsea
Since arriving from Manchester City, Cole Palmer has become one of Chelsea’s most influential players. At just 22 years old, Palmer has provided goals, assists, and creativity in Maresca’s system.
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Last season stats: 16 Premier League goals and 9 assists.
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Role: Creative playmaker linking midfield and attack.
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Impact: Often decisive in tight games with his movement, passing, and composure.
Palmer’s absence naturally raises concerns for Chelsea fans, as his ability to control tempo and deliver in key moments has been vital to the team’s progress.
Why Facundo Buonanotte Could Be the Answer
Maresca has suggested that Facundo Buonanotte, signed on loan from Brighton, may be trusted to step up in Palmer’s absence.
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Age: 19 years old.
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Style of play: More possession-focused and technical compared to Palmer.
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Strengths: Vision, composure, and creativity between midfield and attack.
Although Buonanotte has mostly featured from the bench this season, his flashes of quality show promise. His calmness under pressure and sharp decision-making could prove useful in high-stakes matches.
Tactical Flexibility Will Decide
Maresca has made it clear that his decisions will not be simple one-for-one replacements. Instead, Chelsea’s manager is focused on tactical flexibility:
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Against deep-defending teams, Maresca may prefer a more unpredictable, risk-taking option.
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Against high-pressing teams, Buonanotte’s ability to keep possession could be the safer choice.
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Other alternatives: shifting Christopher Nkunku deeper, giving chances to academy talents, or adjusting the formation entirely.
“We can’t just replace one player with another without thinking about the bigger picture,” Maresca said. “Every game requires something different.”
What This Means for Chelsea
For Buonanotte, this could be a career-defining opportunity. A strong performance in Palmer’s absence may accelerate his development and cement his place in Chelsea’s long-term plans.
For Maresca, it’s another chance to showcase his philosophy of tactical adaptability, squad rotation, and trust in young players.
While losing Cole Palmer is a major blow, Maresca views this as an opportunity to test the depth of his squad and prepare Chelsea for the challenges ahead.