5 things we learned from Chelsea's USA pre-season tour

Chelsea have returned from their first pre-season tour of the Enzo Maresca era, and it's safe to say it was an... interesting few weeks.

After a scrappy draw with Wrexham, Chelsea were thumped by both Celtic and Manchester City and also fell to defeat against Real Madrid, with a 3-0 win over Club America the only morale booster in what was a difficult introduction to Maresca-ball.

Here are five things we learned from Chelsea's time in the States.

1. Enzo Maresca's high risk system

Maresca has already admitted Chelsea are going to concede goals because of the risks associated with his tactical setup, and that was abundantly clear in the United States.

Chelsea conceded 12 goals over five games. Five of those came directly from defensive errors, and you could argue as many came from a clear lack of a cohesive structure at the back. Truthfully, it was a bit of a bloodbath at times.

That being said, Chelsea did play some exhilarating football when they got going. But striking the balance with solid defending is a must for Maresca.

2. Romeo Lavia is ready to fly

Romeo Lavia returns from pre-season with his head held incredibly high.

Profiting from the absence of Chelsea's international stars early on, Lavia made an immediate impact on Maresca and earned himself plenty of minutes. The Belgian used those opportunities to announce himself to a fanbase who saw just 32 minutes of action from him last season.

Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo may be the most expensive midfield duo in history, but it's Lavia who is threatening to stand out from the crowd.

3. Ben Chilwell is in trouble

After 45 minutes against Wrexham in the first friendly, Ben Chilwell went unused in three games and saw just 19 minutes towards the end of the 3-0 win over Club America.

Maresca's system does not suit traditional full-backs like Chilwell, whose future at the club has to be in doubt now.

Chilwell's case was not helped by the excellent showings of Malo Gusto, a right-back who was deployed on the left in the inverted midfield role Maresca favours.

4. Wingers could be key

Chelsea's wingers have been under immense pressure for the past few years, but pre-season offered an encouraging glimpse into what Maresca's system could do for them.

Raheem Sterling had his moments, but it was Noni Madueke who really stood out. He scored in each of the Blues' last three friendlies and even added an assist for good measure.

That sort of production in front of goal has deserted Madueke at times, but the 22-year-old looks capable of taking his game to the next level under Maresca.

5. Fan patience is already running out

The general sentiment towards Maresca has been one of negativity, but in truth, that feeling has very little to do with the boss himself and instead concerns those higher up at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's transfer policy of throwing millions at unproven teenagers and then crying about PSR concerns has left supporters frustrated with the instability on show. Popular academy graduates are being sold and there was even a banner in support of the forgotten Trevoh Chalobah, who was left at home and could only watch on as his expensive replacements looked lost at sea all summer.

Having sat through that chaos for two years, fans still do not have a reason to cheer up, and Maresca's start has only contributed to the concern. He'll need some immediate results if he is to avoid the same sort of toxicity which plagued Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino.

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