Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca will be looking to capitalize on his team's FIFA Club World Cup title as the new Premier League season begins.
The Blues showed quality, dispatching odds-on favourites PSG in the finals last month. And now, the expectations for them are high coming into this season. However, Maresca isn't fully confident about his team just yet.
During the pre-match presser for Chelsea's opening Premier League game against Crystal Palace on Friday, the Italian tactician complained about the lack of a quality center-back, following Levi Colwill's injury which will keep him out of action for the better part of the campaign.
Maresca noted that Super Eagles-eligible defender Tosin Adarabioyo is the only outright central defender who has been consistent. As such, he wants another option.
“Levi was a huge part of our build-up and now he is out,” Maresca said, per BBC Sports.
‘We are trying to find a solution internally but the club know exactly what I think. I think we need a central defender. We are looking for an internal solution but the club know exactly what I think.”
Chelsea have other central defenders like Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile. They could also use Trevor Chalobah or Jorrel Hato, but Maresca would prefer a new player.
Calvin Bassey might be the man Maresca needs at Chelsea
Since Enzo Maresca wants a new central back, Super Eagles star Calvin Bassey might just be his man.
The 25-year-old Nigerian central back has established himself as an elite defender in the Premier League with his incredible performances for Fulham.
Last season, the former Ajax man was named Fulham's Player of the Season, and he merited it.
Calvin Bassey and Harry Wilson are your Player and Goal of the Season winners for 2024/25! pic.twitter.com/kZI9ALYEQ7
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 9, 2025
According to Data MB, Bassey ranked 5th for number of progressive actions, and was the fourth overall best central defender in the Premier League last season.
This just shows how good the 25-year-old Super Eagles star is. He also passes the eye test, as he looks really solid. Bassey has become known for his ability to bully attackers due to his big frame. And for someone of his size, he is actually very quick.
Last season, Bassey averaged a 90% pass accuracy. He also had 3.2 clearances, and 1.5 tackles per games. So Bassey is not all brawn, he can also play the football.
The former Ajax man also won over 62 percent of his duels last season, one of the highest in the English top-flight.
The most enticing thing about the Super Eagles star is that he is valued at €25 million, a fee Chelsea can easily afford.
He also has Premier League experience and has played in the Champions League. So he may not need a lot of time to adjust.
The transfer market is open until the start of September. So while Chelsea are exploring their options, they need not go far. Bassey could be the man to solve their problems, he can be their Mr. Dependable.
