Chelsea have picked up 14 points from their first seven games under Enzo Maresca, after the Italian was recruited to replace Mauricio Pochettino as boss this summer.
The Blues signed the likes of Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in an attempt to strengthen their squad, and early results have been good.
Marescas side havent lost a league match since the opening day of the season, to rise to fourth in the table ahead of this weekends action.
Chelseas former defender expects Anfield test for Maresca
Former Blues defender Glen Johnson believes that Sundays trip to Liverpool will be a real test of Marescas credentials.
When Ive watched Chelsea this season, there have been moments where they have looked irresistible, Johnson said, speaking in association with Genting Casino.
I dont think anyone can complain with how things are going after seven games so far because Chelsea are only four points off the top of the table. After the last few seasons, Chelsea would be biting your arm off to be in this type of position. The challenge is sustaining it and remaining consistent.
The games that Chelsea have won are the ones that you would expect them to win. Maresca has earned a great amount of credit so far, but Chelsea havent delivered a scalp yet. They havent put it together against one of the best teams in the Premier League yet thats the challenge theyll be facing this weekend.
Johnson picks out one particular player as the clubs best signing this summer. Joao Felix is the signing that has excited me the most, he said. Hes obviously a standout technician, but I just hope he can do it all the time because thats the reason they signed him.
Hes capable of anything, but obviously we need to see it a little bit more often. Id probably say hes the exciting one.
Chelsea may yet move back into the transfer market in January, and Johnson knows exactly who hed sign, if he had the choice.
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I would love to see Chelsea make a move for Lautaro Matinez at Inter hes a proper goalscorer, the former defender said.
Im sure there are loads of clubs that would love to sign him, not just Chelsea. Hes one of those players who probably doesnt get the respect that his talent deserves or doesnt get a fuss made over his talent.
I dont understand why that is because hes got everything that you would look for in a striker. If I could pick anyone for Chelsea to sign, Id pick him.
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