Chelsea’s Rising Star: Enzo Fernandez’s Journey
Enzo Fernandez arrived at Chelsea for an unprecedented £106m transfer fee from Benfica, marking a significant investment in the 24-year-old Argentine. Despite his early performances under the struggling Graham Potter, Fernandez has shown signs of improvement this season. The World Cup winner, however, finds himself in a concerning statistic that might give his new coach, Enzo Maresca, some cause for concern.
Struggles and Improvement
Fernandez’s initial season at Stamford Bridge was marred by a hernia issue, which affected his performance and led to him missing the final few games. Despite the setbacks, he has gradually regained his form this season. Fernandez has been a consistent presence in the midfield, often stepping up in the absence of key players like Reece James. His fitness and leadership have been notable, and he has even captained the side on multiple occasions.
A Concerning Statistic
While Fernandez’s overall performance has been positive, there is one statistic that stands out for all the wrong reasons. According to WhoScored, he has been dribbled past 38 times this season, placing him fourth in the Premier League behind players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joao Gomes, and Facundo Buonanotte. This statistic is particularly worrying given Fernandez’s reputation for defensive solidity and his improvement in that area. It highlights a need for further refinement in his defensive positioning and tackling abilities.
Leadership and Experience
Despite his relatively young age, Fernandez is one of the more experienced players in Chelsea’s squad, a reflection of the club’s current youth-driven approach. His leadership qualities have been recognized, and he has played a crucial role in stabilizing the midfield. Maresca, who has been impressed by Fernandez’s recent performances, acknowledges that there is still room for improvement. The midfielder’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively is vital, but his defensive flaws need to be addressed to fully realize his potential.
Recent Form and Impact
Fernandez’s return to form after the November international break has been a bright spot for Chelsea. He has put in a series of impressive performances, often scoring and assisting. Given the injury issues plaguing other midfielders like Romeo Lavia, Fernandez has been a mainstay in the lineup. His fitness levels have also improved, making him a more reliable and consistent player. However, Maresca believes that Fernandez can still elevate his game further, particularly in terms of his defensive contributions.
Looking Ahead
As Chelsea continues to rebuild under Maresca, the performance of players like Fernandez will be crucial. His progression and ability to address his defensive shortcomings will be key to the team’s success. While the statistic of being dribbled past frequently is concerning, it also presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. Fernandez’s journey at Chelsea is far from over, and his continued development will be pivotal in the club’s pursuit of both domestic and European success.
