Chelsea fans are starting to see more of Marc Guiu—and there’s a very good reason why. The young striker, who arrived from Barcelona in 2024 for just €6 million, had initially struggled to get into Enzo Maresca’s plans this season. But as Maresca himself has now revealed, the turnaround had everything to do with attitude, application and a crucial conversation on the training ground.

Guiu began the 2025–26 campaign on loan at Sunderland, but his spell in the Championship was cut short when Liam Delap suffered an early-season injury. Chelsea recalled him in August, but despite returning to Cobham, the 19-year-old had to wait patiently for his chance. He didn’t feature immediately, and in truth, his own habits were holding him back.

Maresca did not shy away from addressing this, explaining: “I told him I didn’t like the way he was training. Since then, it’s [been] fantastic.”

That sentence tells the story. The manager saw a problem, confronted it, and Guiu responded the right way. Instead of sulking, the teenager raised his standards.

And the results have followed. Guiu made brief substitute appearances in October—first against Liverpool and then Nottingham Forest—before being rewarded with a start in the Champions League. He took that opportunity brilliantly, scoring in a crucial win over Ajax, a moment that may prove a turning point in his Chelsea career.

Maresca has always been clear about what he sees in Guiu as a player. He describes him as:
“a typical No 9.”

The Chelsea boss has praised his physical presence and natural striker’s instincts. Guiu is not a flashy forward who drifts wide or drops deep excessively—he is a penalty-box striker, a finisher, someone who lives for chances.

Maresca also highlighted how Guiu’s profile complements new signing João Pedro, who is equally comfortable operating as a No. 9 or No. 10. Their pairing gives Chelsea tactical flexibility and offers a glimpse of a long-term attacking partnership.

Meanwhile, Liam Delap is nearing a return from injury and is set to be available again soon. However, Guiu’s recent form means he is now firmly in contention to keep his place—and even start when Chelsea face Sunderland, the very club he left just weeks ago.

Guiu arrived in London with a reputation for big moments. His Barcelona debut saw him score with his very first touch, making him the youngest player in club history to score on debut at the time. And in his first season with Chelsea, he helped the club lift the FIFA Club World Cup, scoring six goals in all competitions.

This is a player who has shown time and time again that he steps up when the lights are bright.
But talent is only the starting point—and Maresca’s message is clear:
Guiu is earning his place now because he learned, he listened, and he worked.
With renewed hunger, growing confidence and the trust of his manager, Marc Guiu’s story at Chelsea may only just be getting started.