Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has steadily developed into a dynamic box-to-box midfielder at Leicester. His standout 2023/24 season, where he registered an impressive 26 goal contributions, made him one of the most sought after midfielders in the Championship. But where will he fit in at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca?
Style of Play
Dewsbury-Hall is known for his high energy, aggressive pressing, and ability to drive forward with the ball. His expansive passing range and vision make him a creative force, particularly in the final third, where he can either create chances for his teammates or take on the responsibility of scoring himself.
Under Maresca’s system at Leicester, Dewsbury-Hall excelled by making late runs into the box, becoming a multi-dimensional threat that opponents found difficult to contain.
Embed from Getty ImagesHow Dewsbury-Hall Fits into Chelsea’s System
One of Chelsea’s biggest issues in 2023/24 was the lack of a creative presence in midfield. Most of their attacking play came from the wings, making it easier for opponents to isolate their wingers and stifle their attacking output.
Dewsbury-Hall’s arrival changes that dynamic significantly. His unpredictability and ability to dictate the flow of the game mean that Chelsea can now attack through the center with more creativity, making them a more well-rounded and dangerous team.
Embed from Getty ImagesComparison with Conor Gallagher
While both Dewsbury-Hall and Conor Gallagher are box-to-box midfielders, they bring different qualities to the table. Gallagher is more defensive-minded, excelling at winning the ball back and making direct runs that disrupt the opposition’s shape.
However, one of Gallagher’s limitations at Chelsea was his inability to consistently dictate the tempo of the game, which sometimes led to Chelsea losing control in crucial moments.
Embed from Getty ImagesDewsbury-Hall, on the other hand, offers more control and creativity. His ability to maintain possession, make intelligent passes, and drive the team forward will likely make him a more integral part of Maresca’s system.
While Gallagher’s energy and defensive work rate are valuable, Dewsbury-Hall’s overall impact on the team’s attacking play makes him a better fit for Chelsea’s evolving style under Maresca.
Embed from Getty ImagesImpact on Teammates
The addition of Dewsbury-Hall allows Enzo Fernandez more freedom to move forward and express his creative abilities. Last season, Fernandez was often stuck in a double pivot role, limiting his opportunities to influence the game in the final third.
With Dewsbury-Hall in the team, Fernandez will have a reliable partner in midfield who can help maintain possession and create chances, allowing him to operate more effectively as a right-sided attacking midfielder.
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, Moises Caicedo’s role under Maresca might be more challenging. While Caicedo thrived in a more aggressive, pressing role at Brighton, Maresca’s system requires a disciplined sitting midfielder who can cut out passing lanes and protect the defense. If Caicedo can adapt his game to these demands, he could become a crucial player for Chelsea. However, if he struggles to curb his natural tendency to press high, it could create vulnerabilities in Chelsea’s midfield.
Conclusion
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s arrival at Chelsea marks a significant step forward in the club’s quest to rebuild under Enzo Maresca. His creative abilities, combined with his high work rate and tactical intelligence, make him a perfect fit for Maresca’s possession-based, high-tempo system.
With Dewsbury-Hall in the side, Chelsea will have greater control in midfield and more attacking options, helping them become a more balanced and dangerous team.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Newnham
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