Enzo Maresca gained insight into Alejandro Garnacho long before Chelsea transfer

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had cause to like Alejandro Garnacho's mentality long before he moved to west London (Image: Getty Images)

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca can rest assured he has signed a player with a winning mentality in Alejandro Garnacho. This comes after the former Manchester United winger's post-match actions last season demonstrated a commendable commitment to self-improvement.

Garnacho, 21, sealed a £40million move to Stamford Bridge in the closing days of the summer transfer window. The young talent ended his five-year stint at Old Trafford following an alleged fallout with United boss Ruben Amorim.

However, Garnacho's reputation at Old Trafford wasn't always as tarnished as it was at the time of his exit. Just a year ago, his dedication following an opening-day victory over Fulham left a lasting impression on supporters.

In August 2024, Garnacho came off the bench to set up fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee for the match's only goal in a tight win over the Cottagers. But instead of heading straight home to celebrate his performance, the South American chose to put in extra work after the final whistle.

The Daily Mail reported at the time that Garnacho visited the NAS Elite Sports Performance Centre in Manchester following the Fulham victory. The clinic, popular among other Premier League stars, offers physiotherapy, osteopathy, strength and conditioning, nutritional support and other services, including phlebotomy, IV drip therapy and vitamin shots.

Former United colleagues Kobbie Mainoo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sofyan Amrabat are among the centre's previous clients. Ex- Chelsea full-back Ian Maatsen has also utilised its services, while Blues defender Tosin Adarabioyo has been a patron in the past.

It might impress Maresca to learn his new signing is willing to put in such effort to maximise his potential. While others might be content to celebrate following a Week 1 victory, Garnacho's priority was ensuring optimal recovery post-match.

Garnacho could make his Chelsea debut at Brentford on Saturday (Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media, Getty Images)

The prospect may have felt some disappointment with his performance at home against Fulham last year, particularly as he missed an open goal during the match. This occurred before he set up Zirkzee for the deciding goal and may have weighed on his mind despite playing a crucial role in the win.

That's exactly the aspect of Garnacho's character his new manager will be keen to cultivate in west London. Early indications suggest the winger is pulling out all the stops to make a strong early impression under Maresca.

Maresca has led Chelsea on an unbeaten run thus far in the Premier League (Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)

After his inaugural training session as a Chelsea player, Garnacho's remarks highlighted just how hard he was striving to stand out. "Can't move my legs now man," he told a member of Chelsea's media team. "I sprinted in the last one."

Lionel Scaloni's latest Argentina squad did not include Garnacho, allowing him additional time to train with his new team during the international break. And the winger could make his Chelsea debut on Saturday when they make the short trip to Brentford for a west London derby.