Enzo Fernandez New Role Explained: How Maresca is Unlocking Chelsea Star’s Potential
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shared his efforts to shape Enzo Fernandez’s role in the team after the midfielder’s outstanding display in their 2-1 victory over Leicester City.
Fernandez, named Man of the Match, delivered a stellar performance with an assist for Nicolas Jackson’s first-half opener and a second-half header to double Chelsea’s lead. The match ended with a late penalty from Jordan Ayew, but Chelsea secured the win.
Fernandez had been on the bench for Chelsea’s last four Premier League games but returned to the starting lineup in place of Romeo Lavia, who picked up an injury on international duty.
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What I love about Enzo Fernandez now is his defensive contribution and pressing Game💙🇦🇷✅ #CFC
— Adjor🔱 (@thekingadjor) November 24, 2024
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Despite a late return from his own commitments with Argentina, Fernandez was Chelsea’s standout player in the early kick-off.
Maresca praised Fernandez’s performance, emphasizing his adaptability based on the team’s tactical needs. Speaking post-match, Maresca remarked, “Enzo did really well today. He has been doing well since we started, but the lineup depends on the game plan; we use different types of players.”
Ladies and gentlemen: Enzo Fernandez 💙#CFC | #LEICHE pic.twitter.com/5pkrxIvL9O
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 23, 2024
The Chelsea boss also explained why Fernandez was preferred against Leicester, despite Lavia being fit enough for the bench. He described Fernandez as the ideal choice for this game, particularly after his impressive showing during the international break.
Maresca is working to refine Fernandez’s attacking role, encouraging him to get into advanced positions, as evidenced by his goal. He drew comparisons to his past work with players like Wilfred Ndidi and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, explaining, “I’m trying to convince Enzo that attacking midfielders need to arrive in the box. He scored today because he was in the box; if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t have scored. We’re happy with how he’s progressing.”
With Lavia conceding a penalty after coming off the bench, Fernandez is likely to retain his starting position for Chelsea’s next match against Aston Villa. Chelsea currently sits third in the Premier League table, tied on points with fourth-placed Arsenal, as they aim to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Enzo Fernandez New Role Explained: How Maresca is Unlocking Chelsea Star’s Potential
