Advertisement

Are Blues surprising a few this season?

Chelsea team huddle before kick-off
[Getty Images]

Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker says Chelsea have "surprised many people" this season but deserve to be second in the league.

"At the start of the season, with all the noise around the club, I thought it would be too chaotic for any manager of any talent to sort out their issues," said Reo-Coker on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"So full credit to Enzo Maresca because he has gone in there and made lots of tough decisions.

"Maresca has picked his team and been very honest and firm. He has established himself as the alpha at the club and they have started performing.

"They have surprised many people this year and are probably only one or two players away from being a team that can mount a Premier League title for years to come."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds