Chelsea FC v Brentford FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Chelsea FC v Brentford FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez commended his teammate Moises Caicedo, claiming that he personally 'insisted' for the club to make a move for his services. The 23-year-old called the Ecuadorian enforcer an 'exceptional player' and a 'great person'.
In the summer of 2023, Caicedo moved to Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion for a massive reported fee of £115 million, a British transfer record. After blowing hot and cold in his debut season, Caicedo has now become an integral part of Enzo Maresca's project at Stamford Bridge.
Caicedo has played 55 of his 67 matches in a Chelsea shirt alongside Fernandez across all competitions. The Argentine midfielder had nothing but praise for his defensive midfield partner, claiming that he wishes to play with him for years to come.
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In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Fernandez said:
"Sharing the pitch with Moi is incredible. I insisted a lot that he came to Chelsea when the club went to sign him. Now he's here, you can see he's not a normal player."
"He is a great person as well and he brings us a lot as a team and as a team-mate. We are getting on very well. Every day we understand each other more. He is an exceptional player. I hope to share many years with him on the pitch here at Chelsea," Fernandez added.
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On the back of Fernandez and Caicedo's stellar performances, Enzo Maresca's side currently sit second in the Premier League standings. With a tally of 35 points (10 wins, five draws, two losses), the Blues are two points clear of third-placed Arsenal and four points behind leaders Liverpool (who have a game in hand).
"I like the position a lot" - Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez makes claim about new role under Enzo Maresca
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez claimed that he is enjoying the advanced role that manager Enzo Maresca has assigned him over the last few weeks. The Argentine relished the opportunity to start and finish attacks while having powerhouse midfielder Moises Caicedo for cover.
Over the last six EPL games, Fernandez has settled into a box-to-box role. He has created 2.67 chances, taken 1.91 shots, and made 19.3 sprints per 90 minutes (stats via Sky Sports), showing a significant rise in these numbers since the first nine games of the season.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Fernandez said:
"I will always do whatever the coach asks of me. Whichever position I'm asked to play in, I will give the best version of myself and work for the team. Right now, I'm being asked to play a bit closer to the box, with the opportunity to score or assist my team-mates. It's a nice thing and I like the position a lot."
While he acknowledged the attacking facet of his new-found role, Fernandez asserted that his defensive actions continue to be just as important. He added:
"It's an offensive position when it's time to attack, but when it's time to defend, I have to get back alongside Moi to close the space between the lines. It is a very demanding role, especially in the Premier League where the football is more direct. I have worked a lot to be at the right level physically. I am really happy with that side of things."
Up next, Chelsea will take on London rivals Fulham in the Premier League on December 26.