Enzo Maresca has got a lot of things right since he became the Chelsea head coach in the summer.
There were definitely a few eyebrows raised before the season started when Enzo Maresca took charge as the Chelsea manager. However, the former Leicester City boss has made the transition into the Stamford Bridge dugout look pretty seamless.
Maresca arrived at a club that’s been in turmoil in the last couple of years under the Blues owners, but he’s very quickly calmed things down with clarity on and off the pitch.
Alan Pardew claims Maresca looks relaxed at Chelsea and the team are playing well under him right now.
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Chelsea FC at The King Power Stadium on November ...
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Robbie Earle rates how Enzo Maresca has managed Enzo Fernandez
Pundit Robbie Earle thinks Chelsea boss Maresca has done a stellar job so far with Enzo Fernandez.
Unlike last year, Blues midfielder Fernandez has found himself in and out of the starting line-up this season. In fact, he found himself benched for an extended period recently to make room for Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo in the centre of the park.
It’s a huge credit to Fernandez that he scored and assisted on his return to Chelsea’s XI last weekend in the Premier League victory away to Leicester City. Chelsea’s Fernandez made the statistical Team of the Week after his display at the King Power Stadium.
Earle told NBC Sports: “I’ve got to give Enzo Fernandez a mention. He found his way out the team to Romeo Lavia… It was almost like a little message to Enzo Fernandez, who’s obviously buckled down and got back to form.
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“He scored a good goal and captained the team [against Leicester]. I thought he was excellent during the game. I thought his work off the ball, his diligence.
“I kind of like what Maresca has done with him, and I like the reaction I’ve got from Enzo Fernandez as well.”
Maresca has been working with Fernandez in Chelsea’s training, specifically on getting the central midfielder to attack the penalty box more.
The Argentine star has reminded everybody in recent performances that he can offer a lot to the Blues XI. However, will he be able to disrupt the midfield pairing of Lavia and Caicedo for the long-term?
Enzo Fernandez vs Romeo Lavia
It feels like Caicedo is one of the first names on the Chelsea team sheet, which leaves a straight shootout between Fernandez and Lavia for his midfield partner.
Here is a look at how the two teammates compare in the Premier League this season:
Player Matches (Starts) Goals Assists Pass completion Crosses per 90 Successful take-ons per 90 Tackles won per 90 Interceptions per 90
Enzo Fernandez 11 (7) 1 2 80.1% 2.44 0.38 1.54 0.38
Romeo Lavia 7 (5) 0 1 92.4% 0.00 1.54 1.28 1.79
Enzo Fernandez vs Romeo Lavia in the 2024/25 Premier League season via FBREF
If Chelsea are playing inferior opposition where they’re likely to dominate possession, Fernandez feels like the smarter pick to start next to Caicedo. However, Lavia is more defensively switched on and mobile so picking him against the top sides makes sense.
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