Enzo Maresca’s lineup shows huge faith in one player – and it’s not 17 year old Shim Mheuka | OneFootball

Chelsea are in action against Copenhagen tonight, and the team sheet was about as interesting a selection as we could remember.

Not only were there new and interesting players in there, there also plenty of mystery about how they would be arranged. By the looks of things early doors, we’ve called it right here (well, it is our job after all). Malo Gusto plays left back, Trevoh Chalobah right back, with Tosin and Benoit Badiashile as the central defenders.

Gusto will of course press forward more, leaving Chalobah to tuck in and form a 3 with the other natural centre-backs. Tyrique George, playing on the right wing, will provide the width down that side in a lop-sided setup.

We love Enzo Maresca’s faith in the youngsters George and debutant Shim Mheuka, who makes his first start for the senior team tonight. But they’re not the only ones Maresca is trusting.

Enzo Maresca shows huge faith in versatile captain

Reece James warming up for Chelsea. (Photo by Chris Lee/Chelsea FC)

Ahead of them Reece James starts in midfield for the second time in recent games. Against Aston Villa he struggled to find his feet early – and struggled physically late on – but had a strong period in the middle of the game.

Tonight will be another big challenge for James. We should not underestimate Copenhagen, who have been solid performers against English teams in Europe in recent years, and have a fearsome Parken Stadium rocking tonight. This is not a game for the faint hearted in midfield. But James is not one to back away from a challenge.

We all know the captain is a world class player on his day, and we back him to do a job for his team and for his manager – who is showing great faith in his ability as a midfielder by throwing him into a game like this centrally.