Introduction
Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Enzo Maresca has been shaping Chelsea into a side defined by control, adaptability, and positional intelligence. His model draws heavily from positional play principles, while also incorporating high pressing, flexible structures, and intelligent management of transitions. Below, we analyze the key tactical pillars that define Chelsea’s approach under Maresca.
Fluidity in the Build-up with participation of the goalkeeper
Chelsea typically begins in a 4-2-3-1, but transitions fluidly into a 3-2-4-1 or 3-4-3 shape when a fullback moves inside, creating central overloads.
This structural base ensures the holding midfielders, alongside the goalkeeper, play an active role in progression. Short passing sequences allow the team to bypass pressure while maintaining numerical superiority, giving stability in the early phases of build-up.
Chelsea Build-Up II
The right back drops to form a back three, while the left back inverts into midfield to create a diamond shape in the midfield.
Chelsea Build-Up
Chelsea actively includes Sánchez (GK) in the build-up, creating a 1-3-2 or even 4-2 structure in the first phase.
Positional Play oriented towards verticality
At the core of Maresca’s philosophy is positional play, where possession is not sterile but oriented toward verticality. Intelligent movements from players like Cole Palmer, operating as an attacking midfielder, open passing lanes and generate constant threat.
Chelsea promotes fluid structures with inverted fullbacks (often Marc Cucurella from the left-back), midfield rotations, and space occupation from the advanced midfielders that create advanced lines. These movements ensure dynamic circulation, balance, and the ability to adapt to different defensive setups.
Cucurella and Palmer Space Occupation
Marc Cucurella (LB) and Cole Palmer (AM) occupy the central channel, offering different passing lanes inside the opponent’s defensive block.
Marc Cucurella (LB) attack the space behind the defensive line
Chelsea's verticality is shown in this example with Cucurella (LB) attacking the gap in between center backs in a theoretical striker role.
Dynamic Attack with Internal Overloads
In attack, Chelsea seeks to create superiority through fluid movement. Wingers stretch the opposition by holding width, while the attacking midfielder links play inside and the striker draws defenders out of position.
Jamie Gittens (LW) provides width
In Maresca's game model, width is provided by wingers. Here, Jamie Gittens (LW) is wide open to receive the ball in diagonal, with Cucurella (LB) occupying the central lane.
One recurring tactical pattern involves Cucurella and Palmer combining in wide and half-space areas, which frees central lanes for deeper players to advance into dangerous positions. This balance between internal overloads and wide occupation makes Chelsea unpredictable and multifaceted in the final third.
Cucurella palys as an inverted full back
Another example of Chelsea's fluid and vertical attack, with Cucurella (LB) inside, João Pedro (ST) coming and Palmer (AM) making the counter movement to attack the space behind the defensive line.
João Pedro (ST) and Cole Palmer (AM) execute crossing movements
João Pedro (ST) and Cole Palmer (AM) execute crossing movements to disorganize the defensive structure and create space.
Intense Hybrid Pressing from a 4-4-2 Structure
Out of possession, Chelsea initially presses from a 4-4-2 structure. Their approach is hybrid: they may allow the opponent’s first pass or guide play toward the flanks, where the pressing trap is set. From there, the team actively seeks direct individual duels, aiming to recover the ball aggressively in wide or advanced areas.
High Pressin in a 4-4-2
In defense, Chelsea initiates their hybrid pressing in a 4-4-2 structure looking for triggers to switch to duels.
Chelsea Duel Defense
Once Chelsea manages to close down the opponent options, center backs jumps forward and midfielders track back to trap the receiver and recover the ball.
If the press fails, the team reorganizes into a compact mid-block (4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1), protecting the holding midfielders and reducing central spaces. This dual approach blends aggressiveness with defensive resilience, allowing Chelsea to dictate the tempo of the match both in and out of possession.
Chelsea Mid-Block
When forced to drop back, Chelsea defends proactively in a compact 4-4-2 block, stepping forward when possible and looking to force the opponent into mistakes.
Tactical Conclusion
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea displays a posicional, sophisticated and versatile tactical identity. The team blends patient build-up, intelligent overloads in central areas, and structured pressing with adaptive defensive transitions. The result is a model that balances control, offensive fluidity, and defensive solidity, anchored by the energy and rotation of a young squad.
Maresca’s Chelsea is not just a team in development—it is one that reflects a clear philosophy of the modern game: dominance through structure, adaptability, and positional intelligence.
