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The midfielder is typically known for the defensive side of his game but netted a goal on Thursday as Chelsea avoided an embarrassing defeat by Wrexham.
Lesley Ugochukwu has credited new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca with his expected improvement in front of goal.
Chelsea vs Wrexham
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07:00 - 25.07.2024
Nigerian-born Lesley Ugochukwu saves Chelsea against Wrexham
A Nigerian savior in Lesley Ugochukwu rescues Chelsea from defeat to Wrexham in pre-season.
The midfielder netted a late equaliser for the Blues in Thursday’s 2-2 draw against Wrexham as they began preparations for the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
Ugochukwu, recently recalled from competing at the Olympic Games for France, coolly slotted home a left-footed strike with eight minutes of the 90 left to play.
Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring for the Blues 10 minutes before the interlude only for two second-half strikes from Luke Bolton and Jack Marriott in minutes 58 and 71 to turn the game on its head.
However, Ugochukwu notched his leveller to prevent a loss on Maresca’s non-competitive bow for the West London side.
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What Ugochukwu said after scoring against Wrexham
Speaking after the 2-2 draw at Levi's Stadium, the 20-year-old midfielder was delighted to score his first goal for the club in the recent friendly against Wrexham. The Frenchman credited his goal to an increased focus on attacking play in training, crediting Maresca for the ongoing transformation.
“I tried to put it in. I would say I am practising it as much as I can. It’s not every time that people see me in that situation but when I got there I tried to keep calm," the young midfield man said post-match.
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“I was told to be calm with the ball, try to go forward and trust the process. Not rush it and I try to do what I was asked to do at half-time, and I did my best.
“It was our first game, we just started two weeks ago. We work and improve game-by-game and that is what we want to do,' the 20-year-old said.
“He (Maresca) came with very good ideas, so we are still learning about how he wants us to play and everyone is putting in the effort to do what he wants us to do, and that is what we tried.”
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10:00 - 25.07.2024
It is not easy — Chelsea boss Maresca offers explanation after Blues fail to defeat League One team
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has explained why his men struggled against third-tier opposition in their pre-season friendly.
What comes next?
Chelsea face Scottish champions Celtic on July 27 in their next pre-season match.
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