Enzo Fernandez Flourishes in Advanced Role as Chelsea Adjust Formation
Enzo Fernandez has found new life in Chelsea’s lineup by playing closer to the striker, a tactical shift that has reaped immediate rewards. The Argentine midfielder scored in back-to-back games for the first time in his Chelsea career, a feat attributed to his more advanced positioning under manager Enzo Maresca.
Maresca on Enzo’s Positional Shift:
Speaking after Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, Maresca highlighted the importance of having players like Fernandez in attacking zones:
“Exactly.
For most times, he was in those positions, inside the box. We didn’t contact with him in the action when we scored. It is very difficult to score goals from outside of the box… We need players inside the box to try and score goals.”
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Fernandez’s impact underscores Maresca’s tactical vision, with the coach also crediting Marc Cucurella for his role in the buildup to Nicolas Jackson’s opening goal.
The Malo Gusto Conundrum:
While Fernandez’s resurgence has been a bright spot, it has come at the expense of Malo Gusto. To accommodate the midfield adjustments, Moises Caicedo has shifted to right-back when Chelsea loses possession, leaving Gusto out of the starting XI.
Maresca, however, was full of praise for the French defender despite his reduced role:
“Malo is doing fantastic‘… One of the reasons why we are where we are at this moment is because of Malo. He helps us a lot in terms of the process.”
Gusto’s versatility has been invaluable, with Maresca noting his ability to excel in multiple roles, including as a high full-back and in more central positions.
Also, read: Chelsea Win Past Villa: Palmer Shines as Blues Eye Top Four Amid Injury Woes
Looking Ahead:
Chelsea’s tactical flexibility under Maresca continues to evolve, with players like Fernandez and Gusto embodying the team’s adaptability. With confidence high and results improving, the Blues are well-positioned to maintain their push for a top-four finish.
Enzo Fernandez Flourishes in Advanced Role as Chelsea Adjust Formation
