Enzo Fernandez has forced his way back into the Chelsea team by being deployed further forward, closer to the striker. He’s since scored two in two games – the first time he’s managed that for the Blues.
Maresca was asked about whether this change of fortunes was due to a change in positions – and he confirmed that he thought it was:
“Exactly. For most times, he was in those positions, inside the box. We didn’t contact with him in the action when we scored. It is very difficult to score goals from outside of the box. Usually all the goals happen from inside the box, so we need the two wingers, the No.9 inside the box. We need players inside the box to try and score goals,” the coach explained.
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Enzo Maresca shouts at his players at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Enzo hits a shot with the outside of his foot.
Enzo Maresca speaking post-game to Chelsea TV cameras.
“The first goal we scored is because Marc Cucurella is in the right position to win the ball back and then we scored a goal.”
Malo Gusto fights for the ball. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Malo Gusto fights for the ball. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Gusto loses as Enzo wins
For every winner there has to be a loser however, and at the moment Malo Gusto is the one losing out. The full back was left out of the team today to accommodate Enzo, with fellow central midfielder Moises Caicedo sliding across to Gusto’s usual right back spot when Chelsea lost the ball.
Maresca took the chance to praise Gusto and his versatility, even having dropped the Frenchman:
“Malo is doing fantastic. I’ve said many times that one of the reasons why we are where we are at this moment is because of Malo. He helps us a lot in terms of the process,” Maresca said.
“With us, he has played as a higher full-back, full-back inside, a full-back in the pocket. He is playing three or four positions and is learning different things.”