Following their recent Club World Cup triumph, Chelsea under Enzo Maresca have shifted from being a side in transition to one of the most talked-about teams in the Premier League. The question dominating headlines now is simple: are the Blues realistic title contenders, or is this just a purple patch of former
Enzo Maresca has not only brought tactical discipline but also restored confidence in a squad that had been heavily criticized over the past two seasons. His philosophy—possession-based football with quick vertical transitions—has allowed Chelsea to dominate games in ways they previously struggled to. The squad finally seems to be buying into a clear identity, something missing since the departure of Thomas Tuchel.
Success on the global stage has had a profound effect on Chelsea’s mentality. Winning the Club World Cup may not hold the same prestige as the Champions League, but the silverware has been symbolic. It gave this young, evolving squad a taste of winning together under Maresca’s leadership, and that psychological boost has carried into their domestic performances
Chelsea’s rise has been fueled by the resurgence of key players. Enzo Fernández is thriving in a deeper midfield role, orchestrating play with authority, while Cole Palmer continues to blossom as a creative force in the final third. Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku’s return from injury has added much-needed depth and unpredictability to Chelsea’s attack. These players, once inconsistent, now look capable of driving the club toward a title push.
One of the biggest criticisms of Chelsea in recent years has been their defensive vulnerability. However, under Maresca, the Blues have tightened up significantly. With Levi Colwill and Benoît Badiashile forming a strong partnership, and Reece James finally looking fit again, Chelsea are finding the balance between defensive resilience and attacking flair. That stability has been crucial in grinding out results that might previously have slipped away.
The Premier League title race remains highly competitive, with Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool all in strong contention. For Chelsea, consistency will be the ultimate test. They cannot afford to slip in matches against mid-table sides, something that has cost them in previous campaigns. Yet, with growing momentum and renewed confidence, Chelsea appear more prepared than ever to compete with England’s elite.
While it may still be premature to declare Chelsea as outright favorites, their evolution under Enzo Maresca has transformed them into serious contenders. The Club World Cup victory has acted as both validation and motivation for this squad. If Chelsea can maintain consistency, navigate injuries, and keep their young stars firing, the Blues might just find themselves in the thick of the Premier League title race come May.
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