Enzo Maresca heaps praise on Jadon Sancho after Chelsea debut

Enzo Maresca has admitted he is excited for the future with Jadon Sancho after the winger's dazzling Chelsea debut.

Sancho, who joined on loan from Manchester United in a deal which will be made permanent next summer, replaced Pedro Neto at half-time and wasted little time in winning over his new fans, ultimately providing the assist for Christopher Nkunku's late winner.

Fans could be heard singing Sancho's name, before the 24-year-old picked up the Premier League's Player of the Match award.

"I think we start second half much better and Jadon helped us a lot but what he did tonight is exactly what we expected from him," Maresca said. "As I said, I know Jadon very good because I watched him many, many times in the past and I know what he can give us.

"Very happy, very happy for him. He was very good, I think Joao [Felix] was very good and Christoph scored but was also very good.

"I said already when we brought in Jadon that the reason why is because we were looking for another winger like Noni [Madueke]. Noni is doing that on the right side, winning one v one, creating chances, scoring goals and we were looking for the same on our left side with Jadon."

Maresca also praised the Chelsea fans for showing their admiration for Sancho, who he believes operates best when feeling the love of those around him.

"It's very important," the boss continued. "I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love. This is what I think when I spoke with him before he joined us.

"Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football. This is the reason why they play. They are happy and want to play football, they want to enjoy football and then because they are good, they are going to do good things."

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