Chelsea sold two key attackers they were banking on a year ago | OneFootball

Football news moves so fast that stories get lost within hours – sometimes we like to take a look back at what was happening a year ago today to see how things have changed in 12 months.

This time a year ago Chelsea were coming out of an international break just like they are now, but doing even better in the league. We were busy speculating about what Enzo Maresca would be doing with his 2 weeks off to improve the team.

Departed pair were key to Chelsea’s chances a year ago

Nicolas Jackson playing for Bayern. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

“What needs to happen is a Nicolas Jackson big day out,” we wrote.

“He’s been excellent this season, but was quiet both against Man U and Arsenal in our last two league games. He and Cole Palmer (if the attacker shakes off his small injury) should be fired up and ready to get back to scoring and assisting against Steve Cooper’s team.”

“Pedro Neto looks to be firing on all cylinders, Noni Madueke looked good for England – there’s no reason we can’t score 3 or 4 on Saturday, which should be enough to make up for a weakened midfield and defence.”

It’s ironic then, that a year later that Jackson and Madueke have been moved on and Palmer hasn’t been fit to play at all this season.

“Chelsea fans can hope for more improvements when they next see their team line up. Leicester away is a tricky one, especially in the early kick off slot after the international break, but there’s plenty of opportunity for Maresca’s team to strut their stuff against the struggling Foxes.”

Well we did indeed beat the Foxes, and while Nico Jackson scored the opener, Madueke’s most notable contribution was blocking Enzo Fernandez’s shot off the line.

In other news…

Enzo Fernandez has been speaking to the media during the break taking a look back at his time at Chelsea and in particular the crazy saga which saw him sign for the club.

Enzo covered a few other topics, like how he had played a part in getting Moises Caicedo to sign for Chelsea after the team’s hierarchy asked the midfielder to get onto his fellow South American and sell him the project.