Only Mohamed Salah has more goals and assists than Enzo Fernandez in the last six weeks in the Premier League. But his interest is more in collectivity. His response when asked about his numbers shows why Enzo Maresca sees him as a leader.
“I’m not big on statistics,” Fernandez explains. sky sports“Sure, I like to score. I like to get assists. But the priority is always the team and what the manager wants. If the team wins, I’d go home happier about that than about scoring or giving assists. Am.”
Happily for Chelsea, both things are happening. They face Everton on Sunday on the back of eight consecutive wins in all competitions. The gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool has closed to two points and Fernandez has been vital with three goals and four assists in six games.
“I am very happy with how things are going. I have worked very hard for this. It is a feeling that every player wants. I am happy with my performance but even more happy with the performance of the team, which is the best Is important.” I will keep working to help my teammates.
From losing his place in the Chelsea team in October to becoming one of the Premier League’s best performers two months later, it has taken something of a turnaround. Maresca has described Argentina’s World Cup-winning 23-year-old as an “example” to his teammates for his reaction to being dropped from the squad.
“I have been through many difficult moments in my career,” says Fernandez. “I knew that with hard work and humility I would be able to feel the way I wanted.
“I’ve always tried to stay with the group and support whoever is playing. Even when I’m not playing, I always try to train the same way, every game. To support the team, whatever minutes I get, I am available and ready whenever I am needed.
“I stayed strong in my mind and acted with humility, supporting my teammates and the coaching staff. I wanted to continue learning and stay open to possibilities. I hope I can set an example for the group.” It was, as Enzo said. Now it’s about to continue.”
Fernandez has had to shoulder the burden of a £107m price-tag since arriving from Benfica two years ago and has also adapted to a new position, adapting to the tactical demands of operating forward having previously been used to the base of midfield.
Fernandez’s heat map highlights how he is playing going forward
He looks like a free-spirited player since the change, his attacking output has changed. Fernandez’s number of passes, shots and chances created in the opposition half has increased, with his excellent vision now helping to unlock defences.
“I will always do what the coach tells me,” he says. “Whatever position I am asked to play in, I will do my best and work for the team.
“At the moment, I’m being asked to play a little closer to the box, with opportunities to score or assist my teammates. It’s a good thing and I like this position a lot.”
However, this is not a purely offensive role. He is also expected to anchor Chelsea’s defense alongside Moises Caicedo. “When it’s time to attack it’s an offensive position, but when it’s time to defend, I have to come back with the moai to close the space between the lines.”
Fernandez’s numbers since change of position
Maresca said his decision to replace Fernandez for Romeo Lavia was due to a lack of physical ability, but he has responded on that front too, using the weeks out of the team to work on his intensity off the ball. Is. Tracking data shows he’s running further and running more.
“It’s a very demanding role, especially in the Premier League where the football is more direct. I’ve worked a lot to be at the right level physically. I’m really happy with that side of things.”
Every day we understand each other more. He is an extraordinary player. I hope to spend many years with him on the field
The mention of Caicedo brings a smile. It is clear that they are close to the pitch as well. “It’s incredible to share the pitch with Moi. I insisted a lot that he come to Chelsea when the club went to sign him. Now he’s here, you can see he’s not a normal player.
“He’s also a great guy and he brings a lot to us as a team and as a team-mate. We’re getting along very well. Every day we understand each other more. He An extraordinary player, I hope to share a lot.” “Had many years with him on the pitch here at Chelsea.”
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Fernandez assisted the second goal in 2-1 win over Brentford
The passage of play that led to Chelsea’s second goal in the win over Brentford last weekend showed how they complement each other, with Caicedo winning possession and then feeding his midfield partner Nicholas Jackson with a perfectly weighted pass. Fed to release.
Fernandez also offers a glowing review of Cole Palmer.
“Cole has shown that he is a very good player but he also works hard every day to get to where he is today. No one knows what he will be able to achieve in football but I believe in him and I believe That he will achieve whatever he does.” “His brain does that because it has incredible quality.”
For me and the club, the goal is to win every competition we play in. This is the history of Chelsea
However, it is Maresca who is inspiring optimism around Chelsea this season. “We have only spent a few months with him,” says Fernandez, “but from the beginning he was very clear that there was time to work and time to transmit his ideas about football, and the same to his coaching staff. Is.” “We have understood their plan very well.”
Maresca immediately showed his confidence in Fernandez and made him captain in the absence of the injured Reece James in August, despite him making the headlines for the wrong reasons in Argentina that summer. “I was very grateful,” he says.
Fernandez has scored as many Premier League goals this season as he has in the last season and a half
He describes wearing the armband as “something very beautiful” and praises the directness of Maresca’s communication. “He’s very honest, always up front and that’s helped the group a lot. You can see we’re very happy and thanks to him and his staff for that.”
Maresca has downplayed Chelsea’s title prospects despite a strong start to the campaign and Fernandez has sent a similar message – although his ambitions are clear.
“There’s still a lot to do. We just keep going weekend after weekend. I don’t want to set any goals that maybe aren’t necessary right now. But of course, as a player, I’ve always wanted to do well. Dream stuff. Winning the Premier League would be a dream for all of us.
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Highlights from Chelsea’s 4-3 win at Tottenham, with Fernandez scoring the goal
“For me and the club, the goal is to win every competition we play in. That’s the history of Chelsea. That’s what the history of the club represents.”
Of course, Fernandez has already won the biggest trophy of them all, playing a key role in Argentina’s World Cup success in Qatar in 2022. But his appetite for further silverware is clear.
“Winning the World Cup at such a young age was an incredible thing,” he says. “But I never felt like it was enough. In my mind, I was always thinking about doing more. I hope to achieve so much more.”
Under Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea hope to do the same.
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