Micah Richards has delivered a glowing verdict on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez after noticing a change in his game.
Enzo Fernandez, 24, has been a key starter for Chelsea since he joined from Benfica over two and a half years ago. He’s developed and improved during his time in English football, too.
Even though there’s plenty of competition for places in the Blues midfield, the Argentine star is usually one of the first names on Enzo Maresca’s team sheet.
Of course, he’s in the XI for what he brings, both offensively and defensively, as a box-to-box central midfielder.
In addition, he’s one of the leaders within the young group of players. That shone through when Fernandez let Estevao Willian take a penalty against Ajax, even though he was the designated taker on the pitch.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez after scoring a penalty against Ajax in the Champions League.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Micah Richards highlights change in Enzo Fernandez
According to Micah Richards, Chelsea star Fernandez has adapted his game to become a much bigger attacking threat.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Richards said: “I love [Moises] Caicedo, I love Enzo. Enzo has changed his game completely. He was a holder, but now he gets forward at every opportunity, he takes penalties.
“He’s one of the most, I don’t want to say improved because he still bought for £100m. But in terms of being able to adapt from one position to the other, the way he leads his team, he’s a top midfielder, really top midfielder.”
Without a doubt, Fernandez’s influence as a goal threat has grown during his Chelsea career. His role under head coach Enzo Maresca does allow him the licence to push higher up the pitch, especially when he knows he’s got Moises Caicedo as cover behind.
Here is a look at Fernandez’s record so far in his Chelsea career.
Season Appearances Goals Assists
2025/26 11 4 1
2024/25 53 9 17
2023/24 40 7 4
2022/23 22 0 2
Fernandez has been Chelsea’s biggest goal threat in 2025 because he’s the only player in the squad to hit 20 direct goal contributions (10 goals, 10 assists) in this calendar year.
It is a huge credit to him that he’s really stepping up to fill the void left by Cole Palmer.
Enzo Fernandez celebrates with Moises Caicedo during Chelsea's win against Ajax in the Champions League.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Chelsea’s top scorers in the Premier League
After eight games in the 2025-26 league season, it is quite surprising to see who’s scored the most goals for Chelsea.
Player Premier League goals
Moises Caicedo 3
Enzo Fernandez 3
Joao Pedro 2
Pedro Neto 2
Trevoh Chalobah 2
Yes, it is positive to see several players chipping in. In particular, the midfield powerhouses of Caicedo and Fernandez can do a bit of everything right now.
However, we’re hoping that the likes of Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu can really find their shooting boots to start scoring on a consistent basis.