TA: Maresca admires Jiwu very much, the club does not buy other strikers and chooses to recall him

September 5 TheAthletic reported that Maresca admires Jiwu very much.

If you simply regard Jiwu as Chelsea's trading chips to send Jackson away on the deadline, this view is biased.

The Spanish striker's key role in Jackson's transfer has been widely reported. Before restarting Jackson transfer negotiations with Bayern Munich, Chelsea must urgently find a replacement for the injured Drapp, and the club's decision-maker, including head coach Maresca, unanimously selected Giu as the solution.

Jiu has performed well in Chelsea's debut season after joining Barcelona for 6 million euros last summer. He scored 6 goals in 16 appearances, all from the European League. The 19-year-old star is not only Chelsea’s number one scorer in the event, but also tied for third in the team’s total scorer list.

Maresca favored him very much. Last season's Premier League opening match against defending champion Manchester City, Jiwu made his debut. The European Union League defeated Real Betis in May's finals and arranged his substitute to appear. He also participated in the Club World Cup and was on the bench 16 times, which fully demonstrates that Maresca hopes to keep him in the first team system.

Anonymous source revealed to TheAthletic that this is because Maresca appreciates the intensity, desire and passion that Jiu shows in training and competition. This move is of great significance, and several players were abandoned last season because they failed to meet their requirements. In essence, the two adhere to the same football philosophy, and strong professional ethics are essential. Jiwu is keen on regaining the ball by continuously oppressing his opponents. This habit developed in La Macia's youth training camp has even made the Barcelona coaching staff persuade him to restrain himself appropriately, worried that excessive consumption will affect offensive efficiency.

Barcelona was unwilling to let Jiwu go. This local genius who made his debut at the age of 17 has since played 6 games (including 2 Champions League games) and scored goals in the Champions League group stage against Antwerp, Belgium.

Chelsea originally planned to reuse Jiwu in the second half of last season. It is worth noting that although England, Germany, Italy and Spain all filed loan requests in January, the club refused and Jiwu was happy to stay in the team. He particularly praised the coaching staff for practicing their personal skills after collective training. Chelsea hopes that it will continue its development trajectory and increasing playing time is a key link.

When playing against West Ham in the winter window deadline in February, Jackson left the field with an injury and gave Jiwu a turnaround. Maresca chose to make him rather than the more experienced and valuable Nkunku's substitute. But before the whistle sounded, Jiwu was injured when he tried to receive a cross in the penalty area and was stretched too much. The injury was initially considered not serious, but the adductor injury eventually led to his absence from the remaining Premier League matches.

Jiwu admitted that he would come back one month early, but the club adopted a more cautious attitude. Considering that this is the first major injury in his career and the club regards him as an important member of the long-term plan, it is not advisable to make a rash move.

The company of his family helped him overcome the difficulties. His mother and sister lived with him near the Cobham training base. Although his father stayed in Barcelona to work, he visited him regularly.

João Pedro and Delapp's joining this summer has not shaken the status of Jiwu. Chelsea rejected transfer offers from several clubs, but encouraged them to obtain game time on loan. Although he only made three appearances for Sunderland (103 minutes), he still scored a header against Huddersfield in the League Cup, but he will also play as a result, which will not be able to represent Chelsea in the Cup this season.

Jiu responded immediately when Chelsea gave up other options such as Hader on Sunday to call for his return. The international match day has suspended his reunion with his teammates, but he can't wait for a new journey.

In addition, he also has additional motivation. Jiwu will play for the Spanish U21 for the first time, but was told during the training camp this week that if you get enough playing time at Chelsea, it is not impossible to enter the adult national team next year.

Compared with the plot of Drapp's injury and Jackson's transfer, Jiwu actually got a major opportunity. Chelsea may also benefit from this.