When Jamie Gittens joined Chelsea, he explained in his first interview with the club that one of his reasons for signing was that Enzo Maresca’s system is “built for wingers to attack their full-back and create”.
The 21-year-old knows his arrival at Stamford Bridge following three successful years at Borussia Dortmund represents his 'big move'. It is now time for him to slot in to Chelsea’s system and prove a difference-maker in attack. He must grasp the opportunity.
Gittens made his competitive debut in last Sunday’s Premier League opener: Chelsea’s disappointing goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace.
After 54 minutes in which he completed all of his passes but only two of five attempted dribbles and struggled to make a noticeable impact, he was replaced by the 18-year-old Brazilian star Estevao, similarly right at the start of a potentially long and fruitful Chelsea career.
Estevao had more influence in just over half an hour than Gittens did as a starter, yet Maresca seemed hesitant when asked on Thursday whether Estevao might start against West Ham at the London Stadium on Friday night. Understandably, he looks poised to keep faith with Gittens and start the more experienced youngster again.
West Ham will likely stick with their three-man backline, meaning Gittens will be up against one of their finest defenders in wing-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, as well as the mobile but sometimes error-prone right centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.
On that big, wide pitch in east London, Gittens must take risks, switching it up as to whether he cuts in and combines with Cole Palmer and others or goes round the outside.
Maresca believes this will be a “tough game again”. Speaking on Thursday, he reminded reporters: “If you remember, the game at home last year was a difficult game for us.
“They defended very well. Tomorrow I expect exactly the same. And again, the Premier League just started, so you can see that they are trying to find some solution in the same way we are doing.”
Graham Potter’s West Ham were embarrassed on the opening weekend when they lost 3-0 at newly-promoted Sunderland, and they are likely to sit in much more than Palace, who came out and played good football in the Stamford Bridge sun.
Patience will be the key for Chelsea, but the Club World Cup winners will hope they can create openings despite having limited space to play with.
They have more than enough to beat West Ham and secure a first win of the season, particularly if Gittens and co are on song.
