Enzo Fernandez's complicated start to the season

Two years ago, Enzo Fernandez walked on water. Just recruited with Benfica, he delighted in the Portuguese championship and in the Champions League, notably against Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. Continuing behind, with a 2022 XXL World Cup with Argentina where he was voted best youngster of the competition which he won with the Albiceleste, Enzo Fernandez established himself among the most promising midfielders on the planet . Chelsea then decided to spend 121 million euros on the deal to strengthen their midfield.

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After a complicated first six months collectively where Chelsea finished 12th in the Premier League, Enzo Fernandez had nevertheless shown some interesting sequences without justifying his price. Last season, things were better. Valuable in Mauricio Pochettino's system, the Argentinian played 40 matches for 7 goals and 3 assists, establishing himself as essential. If everything had not been perfect, we still felt an improvement just like his team. Winner of the Copa América last summer with Argentina, he is having a much more complicated start to the season under the orders of Enzo Maresca, the new coach.

Performing but behind a duo that works

If he already has 5 assists in 15 matches, he owes it largely to the Blues' card against Noah's Armenians in the Europa Conference League (8-0). Although a holder and even captain at the start of the season, he was replaced by Roméo Lavia in the eleven type alongside Moises Caicedo. While the Ecuadorian midfielder is essential in the midfield and has clearly raised his level compared to last season, the young Belgian is also showing himself to be intractable, much to the chagrin of Enzo Fernandez.

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Enzo Maresca tried to be reassuring about him last Sunday after the match against Manchester United (1-1) where he had a minimal role with 20 minutes of play: “At the moment, Enzo Fernández is not playing… but there is no problem. He plays well in the time we give him. The only reason he doesn't play is because the physical players I prefer in midfield are Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.» Starting late, he started again on the bench against Arsenal (1-1) this Sunday.

Coming on at the end of the match, he quickly caused Pedro Neto to equalize with a subtle pass between the lines before the Portuguese worked his magic. Once again Enzo Maresca was in support with his captain: “Enzo was ready to play from the start like everyone else… but we decided not to for tactical reasons, but then when he came on he was excellent.» While Roméo Lavia is out injured, Enzo Fernandez could have more playing time depending on the Belgian's unavailability. It's up to him to perform well to reverse a hierarchy in which he is currently losing.