Benoit Badiashile has made a very interesting statement about Chelsea teammate Enzo Fernandez.
Fernandez is regarded as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League. He recently helped Chelsea to beat Liverpool and came in for a lot of praise after the game.
Jamie Redknapp was in awe of Fernandez’s display, describing the 24-year-old as “magnificent”.
Badiashile, though, can also imagine Fernandez shining in another role for the Club World Cup winners.
Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile hugging teammate Enzo Fernandez
Photo by Mitchell Leff – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Benoit Badiashile suggests Enzo Fernandez can play up front
Alongside midfield partner Moises Caicedo, Fernandez is Chelsea’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with three goals.
That has clearly convinced Badiashile of his attacking ability. When asked which defender or midfielder would make the best striker, the Frenchman told Chelsea’s official club website: “I think Enzo.”
With Liam Delap currently out injured, Enzo Maresca does not have all of his striker options right now.
However, the Chelsea head coach still has Joao Pedro, Marc Guiu and Tyrique George. England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley recently discussed George, claiming that the 19-year-old has what it takes to become traditional centre-forward.
With that in mind, regardless of how effective Fernandez has been in attack this term, Chelsea supporters should not be expecting to see him up front.
Enzo Fernandez celebrates after Chelsea v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez’s attacking stats this season
As well as three goals, Fernandez has also registered one assist in the English top flight. He has an xG of 3.45 and has taken 11 shots.
Based on the quality of chances that the Argentina international has had, his goal tally is around what it should be.
Enzo Fernandez’s selected stats Total
Appearances 7
Minutes 619
Goals 3
Assists 1
Shots 11
xG 3.54
xG difference -0.54
Key passes per game 1.1
Via WhoScored
He has a great chance to add to it on Saturday when Chelsea travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest.
Fernandez will need to overcome an injury, though, if he is to feature in that game.
It is a match that Ange Postecoglou really needs to win after a terrible start in the City Ground dugout. It is already being reported that Sean Dyche could take over from Postecoglou if results do not improve.