Since his record-breaking £106.8m transfer to Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez has struggled to find his ideal role within the team, even under new head coach Enzo Maresca. Despite being pivotal during Argentina’s World Cup-winning campaign, Fernandez’s performances at Chelsea have sparked debate about how best to utilize his skills.
Positional Changes Under Maresca
Maresca has taken a different approach than previous managers by deploying Fernandez in a more advanced role, closer to the left side of the midfield. Previously, he played as a deep-lying midfielder, but under the new system, he’s positioned further forward to help break down opposition defenses. However, this shift has resulted in a reduction in his overall involvement, with his passing and touches dropping compared to last season.
Performance Concerns and Criticism
Despite Maresca’s belief in Fernandez’s potential in his new role, the midfielder’s productivity has not yet improved. His influence in orchestrating attacks has diminished, and his defensive work remains a concern. Fernandez’s defensive weaknesses have been highlighted, as he has been dribbled past more frequently than other midfielders in similar positions.
The question now is whether Fernandez will be able to adapt to his new responsibilities or if Chelsea will need to reconsider how to best utilize their record signing.
