John Obi Mikel believes Enzo Maresca deserves huge credit for the recent upturn in form of midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Fernandez put in another brilliant display on Sunday as Chelsea came from 2-0 down to beat Tottenham 4-3 and close the gap on Liverpool to four points, although the Reds have a game in hand.
The 23-year-old scored the all important third goal against Spurs, his third in the last four league games, and is arguably playing the best football of his Chelsea career.
Mikel impressed by Fernandez
It’s not been easy for Fernandez following his £106m move from Benfica in January 2023 and after impressing in his first six months he struggled last season.
The World Cup winner was playing through a hernia issue which was clearing hindering his performances, whilst a lack of structure in the team didn’t help either.
Fernandez underwent surgery, but had a difficult summer after being caught up in a racism storm following Argentina’s Copa America triumph.
Enzo Fernandez applauds the away fans at the King Power Stadium. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Fernandez has five goal contributions in his last four league games. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
He started the season in the side but after some mixed performances he was replaced by Romeo Lavia for the Liverpool game at the end of October and spent four games on the bench.
However, since returning after the international break Fernandez looks like a player reborn and he’s started all four league games, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Maresca revealed earlier this month where he felt Fernandez had really improved and Mikel believes the Italian deserves credit for Fernandez’s upturn in form.
“Sometimes you need that kick up your backside to get you to wake up,” he told Stadium Astro.
“His performances weren’t good at the start of the season and everyone was complaining. I think the manager took him out the firing line to protect him a little bit.”
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Micah Richards doing punditry for the BBC.
Enzo Fernandez in action for Chelsea. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Estevao Willian scores another goal.
“Now, he’s brought him back into the team. You can see his stats there. Absolutely fantastic.
“He’s been absolutely fantastic since coming back into the team, and he is the captain right now. We need him to lead by example on the pitch.”