Chelsea's Liam Rosenior Hire Creates Clear Winners and Devastating Losers
As we enter the new year, Chelsea has undergone another managerial change, bringing in the promising Liam Rosenior to replace the departing Enzo Maresca.
Recruited from BlueCo-affiliated Strasbourg, the relatively green 41-year-old represents the latest coaching experiment in west London, facing immediate expectations. Though Chelsea's future remains unpredictable, Rosenior appears set to implement a completely different philosophy from his predecessor.
An intense, energy-driven approach will characterize the former Hull City boss's tenure, having preferred a 3-4-2-1 formation during his stint with Strasbourg. This tactical setup could well be adopted with his new Chelsea squad, though adaptability will be essential in his early days.
Chelsea's oversized roster must adapt to another new coach bringing fresh concepts, and reactions in the locker room will likely be varied.
Below are the potential beneficiaries and casualties of Rosenior's hiring.
Winners
Estêvão
Reports indicate Chelsea envision Estêvão as a central attacking midfielder eventually, though he's consistently deployed on the right flank since joining Stamford Bridge. The talented 18-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance but was primarily utilized as a substitute rather than a regular starter under Maresca.
Rosenior's appointment could lead to increased playing time for the Brazilian in a secondary attacking midfield role alongside Cole Palmer—assuming Rosenior maintains his flexible 3-4-2-1 formation.
Estêvão will need to compete with players like João Pedro and Enzo Fernández for such a position, but the youngster has already demonstrated the technical ability to thrive rather than struggle.
Liam Delap
Liam Delap not only worked under Rosenior previously, but the new Chelsea manager actually recruited him during his Hull tenure. Brought in on loan from Manchester City, the imposing striker flourished under Rosenior's guidance, netting eight goals and contributing two assists during his Championship campaign at the MKM Stadium.
The striker position could become available following Rosenior's arrival. Pedro has typically filled this role this season, but he's not a natural, clinical center forward. The Brazilian international might be better suited to an attacking midfield position going forward.
Delap, conversely, possesses traditional striker qualities. Physical, powerful and a proven scorer, the Englishman could flourish after reuniting with his former manager. He certainly helped his case for more minutes by finding the net against Fulham with Rosenior observing from the stands.
Andrey Santos
Andrey Santos is another player who previously worked under Rosenior and left a strong impression during their time together at Strasbourg. The Brazilian featured in 34 matches for Rosenior in 2024–25 and made his presence felt, recording 11 goals and four assists across all competitions.
While breaking into the starting lineup ahead of Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo will present a significant challenge, Rosenior might offer Santos more starting chances than he received under Maresca.
He's only started five Premier League matches this season and just one in European competition, but with Chelsea's packed fixture list ahead, Santos could prove invaluable for Rosenior in the upcoming months.
Mike Penders
Another position potentially available long-term is Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper. Robert Sánchez has shown improvement this season but remains a questionable presence between the posts, while Filip Jörgensen has failed to instill confidence during his limited appearances.
Chelsea may already possess the answer to their goalkeeping concerns with Mike Penders, currently on loan at Strasbourg from the Blues and regarded as a potential future star. He's served as the French club's primary keeper under Rosenior this season and has excelled during his debut campaign in a top European league.
Rosenior has observed the Belgian's progress firsthand and will likely be prepared to give him a chance at the start of next season. While Chelsea seldom miss transfer opportunities, the Blues might already have their Sánchez replacement.
Losers
Reece James
Reece James will always secure a place in the Chelsea lineup—the club captain is simply too talented to overlook. However, if Rosenior alters the system, the Cobham academy product might be deployed as a wing-back rather than a right-back, a role he excelled in under Thomas Tuchel's management. So what's the concern?
The physically demanding wing-back position, requiring constant runs up and down the flank, will test James's body to its breaking point. The 26-year-old is notoriously injury-prone, and careful minute management under Maresca this season has been vital in keeping him away from the medical room.
James missed over 20 games through injury during Tuchel's tenure, and given Rosenior's emphasis on intensity and high pressing, the England international will need to work exceptionally hard in the demanding wing-back role.
Alejandro Garnacho
The formation Rosenior employed at Strasbourg doesn't favor traditional wingers. The inside forward roles are typically filled by attacking midfielders or wide players who prefer cutting inside. Unfortunately, Alejandro Garnacho doesn't match either profile.
The Argentine prefers staying wide, utilizing his pace to beat opposing fullbacks, which could lead to him being sidelined by Rosenior—particularly with Chelsea's other wide players like Pedro Neto and Estêvão vying for similar positions.
Garnacho's limited defensive awareness also makes him unsuitable for the left wing-back role. The former Manchester United winger isn't known for his work rate without the ball, which will hinder his development under Rosenior regardless of his position.
Jamie Gittens
Like Garnacho, fellow summer acquisition Jamie Gittens now seems further from establishing himself at Chelsea than before. The pacey winger has found it difficult during his early period back in England, lacking the refinement and technical ability needed to displace players like Neto and, to some degree, Garnacho.
Gittens has been more flash than substance during his brief Chelsea stint, and considering the club's history of cycling through attacking players, he should worry about his long-term prospects at Stamford Bridge. While Rosenior's arrival gives Gittens another opportunity to prove himself, he may also struggle due to the potential reduced emphasis on wingers in the new manager's system.