Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has named Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Joao Felix as three players who deserve a starting role at Chelsea.

The trio were all on target as Chelsea thumped Barrow 5-0 in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.

Frenchman Christopher Nkunku netted a hat-trick, with Joao Felix scoring from a superb free-kick.

Pedro Neto also scored his first goal for the Blues since joining the club from Wolves in the summer.

Speaking in a post-match presser, Enzo Maresca hailed the trio, adding that they deserve to be handed a starting role in the Premier League.

“I’m happy. Happy for Pedro [Neto], happy for Christo [Nkunku], and for Joao [Felix], for all of them,” Maresca said.

“They all deserve to play from the start in the Premier League, but they are not playing at this moment.

“But the way they take the chances when we give them minutes is fantastic.

“No matter if it’s five minutes, 45 minutes, or 90 minutes, they are all ready, and this is the most important thing.”

Nkunku, Felix, and Neto are all currently playing second fiddle to Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho, and Noni Madueke.