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Enzo Maresca already knows Leicester City have an ‘unbelievable player’ who can ruin his return

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Enzo Maresca spent just one season at Leicester City but played a huge role in returning the club to the Premier League.

Enzo Maresca was appointed manager of Leicester City on June 16th, 2023.

The Italian was tasked with securing the Foxes a swift return to the Premier League in 2023/24 and more than exceeded expectations.

The Midlands outfit ended the previous season sat top of the Championship with a staggering 97 points to their name.

However, Maresca then left Leicester for Chelsea over the summer, with Steve Cooper installed into the dugout in his place.

The Italian is now set to return to the King Power for the first time on Saturday when his Chelsea side face the Foxes in a 12:30pm kick-off.

It has potential to be a feisty affair and though Leicester are struggling this season, Maresca is well aware one player could ruin his return.

Leicester City Training Session and press conference
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

Enzo Maresca knows Harry Winks can ruin Leicester City return with Chelsea

During his one summer transfer window at the club, Maresca made nine signings, the majority of which are still at Leicester.

The most expensive of those additions was Harry Winks, who joined from Tottenham Hotspur for around £10.5m.

Winks played 48 times under the now-Chelsea manager, who is well aware of what a major threat the midfielder is.

Speaking back in 2023, Maresca labelled Winks ‘unbelievable’ and detailed how keen he was for Leicester to sign him.

He said: “When I met the club for the first time, he was the first name I told them. He was the main player because, with this idea, Harry is an unbelievable player.

“I saw him at Spurs, I saw him last year in Italy. With us and with this idea, he’s an unbelievable player.”

Manchester United FC v Leicester City FC - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

What Harry Winks said about Enzo Maresca

Winks remains a key figure for Leicester in 2024/25, featuring in 10 Premier League games, in which he has provided two assists.

The 28-year-old will likely be in from the off against Chelsea and is no doubt looking forward to seeing Maresca once more.

However, the former Tottenham ace is also aware of what a tough test Leicester face with Maresca in the opposition dugout.

When discussing Maresca back in February this year, Winks told talkSPORT: “He’s a manager who I think will certainly go to the very top. His understanding of football is something I’ve never witnessed before.”