Chelsea: Enzo Maresca reveals how Jadon Sancho has ‘surprised’ him this season | OneFootball

Sancho is restoring his reputation under Maresca after a difficult few years at Manchester United

Enzo Maresca has admitted he is “quite surprised” with the success of Jadon Sancho’s loan spell at Chelsea.

At that stage, his career was in desperate need of a reboot after a high-profile falling out with then United boss Erik Ten Hag had left his future in limbo.

Given the wealth of wide options already at Maresca’s disposal, eyebrows were raised when Chelsea moved for the 24-year-old, not least because of doubts over whether he would be able to recapture the stunning form he showed at Borussia Dortmund early in his career.

Sancho is first-choice on the left-wing at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

But Sancho is well on his way to restoring his reputation, having emerged as first-choice on the left-wing at Stamford Bridge.

Since making his debut in the 1-0 victory at Bournemouth in September, where he set up Christopher Nkunku’s late winner, Sancho has registered eight goal involvements across competitions to leave Maresca thrilled ahead of Tuesday’s reverse fixture against the Cherries.

“He is doing very well for me,” Maresca said.

“I am quite surprised with Jadon. I knew Jadon already so knew what to expect from him but in terms of being consistent.

“He is doing every well apart from a short spell of the season where he had some problems [Sancho missed several games through illness in November]. Apart from that he has been very good.

“I expected him to do well but for all players to do well for a long period is not easy. He has done well for a long period.”