Only Mohamed Salah has more goals and assists than Enzo Fernandez in the last six weeks of the Premier League. His response when the numbers are given to him shows why Enzo Maresca sees him as a leader.
“I’m not big on statistics,” Fernandez says Sky Sports. “Of course I like to score. I like to get assists. But the priority is always what the manager wants. If the team wins, I’m happier than scoring or assisting.”
Happily, both are happening as they take on Everton on Sunday, with the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool reduced to two points, with Fernandes having scored three in six games. a goal and four assists.
“I’m very happy with how things are going. It’s a feeling that every player wants. I’m more than happy with the performances of the team. I’m going to keep working to help my teammates.
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Jamie Carragher gives his verdict on Chelsea’s title chances
It has been a bit of a turnaround to become one of the Premier League’s best players two months after losing his place in the Chelsea squad in October. that he reacted to being fired.
“I’ve been through a lot of hard times in my career,” says Fernandez. “I knew that with hard work and humility, I would be able to get back to feeling the way I wanted.
“I’ve always worked to be with the group and support whoever is playing. Even when I’m not playing, I always try to train in the same way, support the team every game with the minutes I get and be available and ready when i need
“I stayed strong in my head and worked with humility to support my teammates and the coaching staff. I wanted to continue to learn and be open to opportunities. I hope that I set an example for the group, as Enzo said. continuing in the same way.’
Since arriving from Benfica two years ago, Fernandes has had to shoulder the burden of a £107m price tag and has also embraced a new position, adapting to the tactical demands of moving further forward, having previously been used at the base of midfield.
Fernandez’s heatmaps show how he plays further forward
He looks like a player who has changed since the change, his attacking output has changed.Fernandez’s numbers for passes, shots and chances in the opposition half have increased and his excellent vision is now helping to unlock defences.
“I will always do what the coach asks of me,” he says. “In whatever position they ask me to play, I will give my best and work for the team.
“Now I’m asked to play a little closer to the penalty area, with the opportunity to score or assist my teammates. That’s a good thing and I like the position a lot.”
However, it is not a purely offensive role. He is also expected to anchor Chelsea’s defense alongside Moises Caicedo. “It’s an attacking position when it’s time to attack, but when it’s time to defend I have to go back to Moi to cover the space between the lines.”
Fernandez’s numbers since the position change
Maresca said his decision to drop Fernandez for Romeo Lavia was due to a lack of fitness, but he has also responded on that front by using the weeks out of the squad to work on his intensity off the ball running very fast.
“It’s a very demanding role, especially in the Premier League where football is more direct. I’ve worked hard 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 exceptional player. I hope to share many years with him on the field
The mention of Caicedo elicits a grin. It’s clear they’re close off the pitch as well. Sharing the pitch with Mo is incredible. He came to Chelsea when the club went to sign him. Now he’s here, you can to see that he is not a normal player.
“He’s a great person, and he brings a lot to us as a team. We get along better every day. He’s an exceptional player. I hope to share many years with him on the pitch here at Chelsea.
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Fernandez assisted the second goal against Brentford (2-1).
The move that led to Chelsea’s second goal against Brentford last weekend showed how they complement each other as Caicedo took possession and then fed his midfield partner to release Nicholas Jackson with a perfectly weighted pass.
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 be where he is today. No one knows what he will be able to achieve in football, but I believe in him and I am sure that he will he will achieve whatever he sets his mind to because he has incredible quality.”
The goal for me and the club is to win every competition we play in. That’s the story of Chelsea
However, it is Maresca who inspires optimism around Chelsea this season. “We have only had him for a few months, but from the beginning he was very clear when it was time to work and convey his idea of football, and the same with his for the coaching staff,” says Fernandez. “We have a great understanding of his plan.”
Maresca immediately showed his faith in Fernandez by making him captain in the absence of the injured Rhys James in August, despite him making headlines for the wrong reasons in Argentina that summer. “I was more than grateful,” he says.
Fernandes 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 “a very beautiful thing” 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 that’s thanks to him and his staff.”
Maresca has played down Chelsea’s title chances despite a strong start to the campaign, and Fernandes delivers a similar message, although his ambitions are clear.
“There’s still a lot to do. We’re just going into the weekend. I don’t want to set a goal, but of course, as a player, it would be a dream for us all to win the Premier League.
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Highlights from Chelsea’s 4-3 win at Tottenham in which Fernandez scored.
“The goal for me and the club is to win every tournament we play in. That’s the story of Chelsea.”
Of course, Fernandes has already won the biggest trophy of them all, playing a crucial role in Argentina’s success at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“To win the world championship was incredible,” he says. “But I never felt it was enough. I always thought about going for more. I hope to achieve more.”
With Enzo Fernandez leading the way, Chelsea will be hoping for the same.
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