A shutout away at Bournemouth in the Premier League was followed by another on the road against West Ham United. And in midweek, a much-changed Chelsea backline stood firm against Barrow in the Carabao Cup.

That defensive discipline has provided a platform for Chelsea's attacking players, with the Blues netting nine times in the past three matches. However, Maresca has highlighted the important role each member of the side plays in restricting the opposition.

‘It’s [keeping clean sheets] important because if we don’t concede it means we have more chance to win in case you score,’ Maresca explained.

‘It’s also important the feeling we have. We conceded two goals against Man City, but we didn’t concede many chances – and City are a team that in every game have a big amount of chances and goals.

'Against Wolves, we conceded two goals but in the second half we didn’t concede a shot. Defensively we can improve many things, but we are heading in the right direction.

‘That doesn’t mean that in every game we’re not going to concede, that isn’t real. For sure we will concede, but it’s important we improve the concept between the whole team and that when we talk about the defensive line, we are not only talking about the defensive players.

‘I said after West Ham, the best players defending were Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson with how they started the high press which gave us a chance to manage the situation better. So it’s about all of the team.’

Ahead of our match against Brighton and Hove Albion, Maresca was asked about two defenders who have contributed to our three consecutive victories. The first question was focused on Marc Cucurella, who has started our opening five top-flight fixtures.

‘Marc is very important,’ Maresca replied. ‘Marc has something that you sometimes struggle to find in players. ‘He is good and he is making the players around him good because he is a guy who is always talking, always demanding.

'If you can have five, six or seven players like Marc in your team, who are always talking about improving the rest, it’s very important. So I’m very happy with Marc.’

Maresca is similarly enthused with our summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo, who featured in our victory over Bournemouth and started away at West Ham in our last Premier League outing.

‘I’m very impressed with him,’ Maresca added. ‘I’ve known Tosin since City, I know him from them. I’m very impressed with him, especially the way he behaves outside the pitch and inside the pitch.

'He is one of the leaders in the dressing room, so we are delighted with him.’

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