Chelsea assistant coach Enzo Maresca couldn’t hide his admiration for Renato Veiga after the young player’s impressive display against Panathinaikos in the Conference League.
Chelsea’s Rising Star: Enzo Maresca Praises Renato Veiga’s Adaptability
Chelsea’s 4-1 win saw several players step up, but it was Veiga’s versatility that drew special praise from Maresca, who sees the 19-year-old as a vital asset in a squad focused on adaptability.
Initially brought in as a midfielder, Veiga has showcased a range of skills across multiple positions.
Against Panathinaikos, he was called upon to fill a centre-back role—a position he hasn’t frequently played—but his composure and defensive awareness helped Chelsea maintain control throughout the match.
Even after nearly scoring an own goal late in the game, Veiga’s performance left Maresca deeply impressed.
“I just told him in the dressing room how valuable he is,” Maresca shared, emphasizing that Veiga has already played in nearly every defensive and midfield role this season.
“In today’s game, players need to master multiple positions. Renato’s adaptability is exactly what makes this team stronger.”
Veiga’s journey with Chelsea has been nothing short of remarkable since his £12 million arrival this summer.
He’s competing against more seasoned players like Marc Cucurella for a starting spot, yet his impact has been immediate.
The 19-year-old has also been on international duty for Portugal, gaining invaluable experience that’s adding to his growth as a flexible asset in Chelsea’s setup.
Veiga may find himself back on the bench when Chelsea faces Newcastle this weekend, but his performances are a clear signal: he’s ready whenever and wherever he’s needed.