Tottenham Hotspur FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Jamie Redknapp has lauded Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca for helping Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez get into form at Stamford Bridge. Fernandez joined the Blues from Portuguese giants Benfica for a reported transfer fee of €121 million in January 2023.
However, he failed to perform up to the expectations related to his price tag. In 18 Premier League appearances during the 2022-23 season, Fernandez only assisted two goals. Last season, the 23-year-old played 40 matches for the Blues across all competitions, bagging seven goals and three assists.
However, under Enzo Maresca, the Argentine has scored three and assisted seven goals in 19 appearances across competitions. Fernandez has also donned the captaincy in Reece James' absence. In the last four Premier League appearances, Fernandez has five goal contributions (3G, 2A).
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The Argentine also scored a goal during Chelsea's memorable 4-3 turnaround victory over Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur away on Sunday, December 8. Jamie Redknapp lauded Maresca for Enzo Fernandez's improved form, saying (via Sky Sports):
"The manager (Enzo Maresca) has solved the conundrum that other managers struggled with in terms of getting the best out of Enzo Fernandez. He looks exceptional in the midfield. He looks like the player that they brought for £105 million. I thought the Premier League was just too quick for him."
Chelsea are second in the league table with 31 points in 15 matches, four points behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.
Chelsea set to challenge Manchester United and other Premier League clubs for 18-year-old star: Reports
Southampton FC v Ipswich Town FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Southampton FC v Ipswich Town FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Chelsea have joined Manchester United and other Premier League clubs to sign Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling, as per CaughtOffside.
The 18-year-old is an academy product of Southampton but also made two appearances for Chelsea's U18 side. He has also made 21 appearances for the Saints' senior team, scoring one and assisting two goals. The club values Tyler Dibling at €25 million and his ongoing contract with the Saints will expire in the summer of 2027.
The Blues have heavily invested in young players in recent years such as Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandez. The Stamford Bridge outfit sees Dibling as another future investment. As per the aforementioned report, multiple English clubs such as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and West Ham United have sent their scouts to keep a close eye on Dibling.