Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has talked up his preference for having so many versatile players in his first-team squad.

Despite rejecting claims that he has separate teams for the Premier League and cup competitions, Maresca has made full use of the players at his disposal for those aforementioned tournaments.

On Thursday evening, Chelsea cruised to a 4-1 victory over Panathinaikos in the Conference League having again made 11 changes to his team.

Joao Felix netted a double alongside a Mykhaylo Mudryk header and a Christopher Nkunku penalty as the Blues recorded their second successive win in European football's third-tier competition.

As well as the attacking players staking their claim for more opportunities in the Premier League, Renato Veiga impressed in the middle of the defence.

Maresca comments on Veiga, versatility

Before moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer, the 21-year-old was a relative unknown at Basel, but he has since progressed into an important squad member at Chelsea and Portugal international.

Veiga was partly signed for his ability to play at left-back, centre-back and as a defensive midfielder, and he has duly made a positive impact in each role.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, as quoted by football.london, Maresca said: "I just said to Renato, he has played already as a centre-back, a full-back, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder.

"He has already played four or five positions. One of my first press conferences, I said that the reason why I really like and love Chelsea is because many players can be versatile.

"Today, in my idea, if they can play different positions, then it is better for the team and especially for the players. Today, if you just play one position, I don't think it's enough.

"You need to learn more positions. Renato, Malo [Gusto], they are playing in different positions and they are doing well."

Will Chelsea 'cup' players earn chance versus Newcastle?

There is just a three-day turnaround for Sunday's Premier League fixture against Newcastle United, the first of two games against the Magpies with a trip to St James' Park in the EFL Cup fourth round following three days later.

Maresca has acknowledged that he will largely revert back to his preferred Premier League XI at the weekend, yet players such as Pedro Neto and Mudryk have given their head coach plenty to think about with their performances in Greece.

Felix is also in contention, yet Neto is viewed as most likely to earn a start having being withdrawn in the 61st minute versus Panathinaikos.