Former Chelsea defender pinpoints where the Blues were ‘amazing’ in win against Bayer Leverkusen

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Chelsea ramped up their hurried preparations for the new Premier League season with an encouraging 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Friday night.

Still riding high after their FIFA Club World Cup triumph last month, Chelsea have momentum to take into the Premier League, but have been unable to have a traditional pre-season. The Leverkusen victory and this Sunday’s friendly with AC Milan are their only warm-up matches this summer.

However, goals from debutant Estevao Willian and fellow summer arrival Joao Pedro ensured Enzo Maresca’s side remain in good form as they beat last year’s Bundesliga runners-up at Stamford Bridge.

One former Blues player was particularly impressed with the performance, pinpointing a specific facet of Enzo Maresca’s side that shone more than any other.

Frank Leboeuf hails Chelsea’s attacking pace against Bayer Leverkusen

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf was watching the Leverkusen friendly, which saw the Blues go with a starting front line of Liam Delap, Cole Palmer, Estevao Willian and Tyrique George. Pedro Neto and new signings Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens came off the bench, with Pedro scoring the second goal on an encouraging night.

That front line, stacked with pace and versatility, is reason for Leboeuf to get excited about Chelsea’s aspirations this season, particularly if the forwards start the campaign firing on all cylinders.

“I was very impressed with the forward players, and all the players that came on because there were many substitutions,” Leboeuf said on ESPN.

“The pace that they have when they get the ball in transition, it’s pretty amazing and threatening for the future games that they are going to play against the others. I mean, they go fast. They’re very effective.

“And if Estevao, Neto, Palmer, and some others, of course Joao Pedro, are fit, they are going to create trouble for any defence.

“They weren’t too experienced at the back, so let’s see how it works [there]. But offensively, I am very positive and looking forward to seeing how it works during the Premier League.”

Estevao was particularly impressive against Leverkusen, although it remains to be seen how many minutes Maresca will give the 18-year-old once the campaign starts.

Chelsea’s forwards will need to cover their defensive frailties this season

With a wealth of formidable forward options, Enzo Maresca has looked to solidify his defence in the weeks since returning from the FIFA Club World Cup.

Jorrel Hato is the latest arrival to boost the back line, and he came off the bench at half-time against Leverkusen. However, Levi Colwill’s long-term injury could require another signing at the back before the transfer deadline.

There are also doubts about Robert Sanchez, with Jamie Carragher questioning Chelsea’s title ambitions and saying the club won’t win the league again until they improve their first-choice goalkeeper.

With Champions League football this season as well, Maresca won’t be afforded the option to rotate as he did in the Europa Conference League last season, placing greater stress on areas of the pitch where Chelsea have weaker options.

This certainly applies to their backline, meaning if Chelsea are to improve on last season’s top flight campaign, they will need their attacking options to consistently produce.