Enzo Maresca has praised Tyrique George for playing with personality as the youngster prepares for a possible first senior start against Noah on Thursday night.
With a massive game against Arsenal on Sunday, Maresca is set to ring the changes as has been the case in the cup competitions this year.
This means an opportunity for the fringe players to impress as well as a chance for some young academy talent to show what they can do.
Maresca praises George for playing with personality
George is a highly rated talent in the academy and has already had first team minutes against Barrow in the Carabao Cup and last month’s Conference League win against Panathinaikos.
The teenager impressed against the Greek side when he came on and looked lively as he tried to make things happen.
Speaking on that performance Maresca revealed he was pleased to see George play with personality and that it was very important for a young player.
“I think he was good,” he said as cited on X.com.
“I was very happy for him to make his debut. The most important thing is he was not shy because he played with personality. This is important for a young player.”
George is yet to start a senior game for Chelsea but with Maresca confirming Jadon Sancho will miss the game with a knock there’s a real opportunity for him.
It’s likely that Mykahilo Mudryk will start on the left, but with Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke the other senior options out wide, Chelsea reporter Bobby Vincent has tipped George for a first start on the right.
It would be great to see the 18-year-old get a proper run out and chance to show what he can do, and Maresca hasn’t been afraid to use players from the academy with four involved in the squad for the Panathinaikos game, with this potentially a huge opportunity for George.
