A lot of players at Chelsea have made progress following Enzo Maresca’s arrival at the club last year.
Marc Cucurella is one name that comes to mind, with the Chelsea star now widely recognised as one of the best left-backs in the world.
Cucurella should be scoring more goals, according to Arsenal legend Alan Smith. However, Maresca will definitely be pleased with the improvement that he has shown over the past 12 months.
The Chelsea boss will also be happy with Enzo Fernandez’s development.
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Enzo Fernandez clapping after Chelsea win
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People inside Chelsea think Enzo Fernandez is the most improved player under Enzo Maresca
Like Cucurella, Fernandez has improved quite a lot since Maresca was appointed as Chelsea manager.
In fact, according to The Athletic, sources within Chelsea believe the midfielder is the player who has improved the most under Maresca.
Fernandez has become one of the Blues’ most important assets since Maresca replaced Mauricio Pochettino in the Stamford Bridge dugout.
Last season, the 24-year-old made 53 appearances in all competitions. In the Premier League, he only missed two games.
Fernandez is dealing with a bit of knee pain right now, but Maresca will be hoping that he is fit enough to play against Burnley this weekend.
Chelsea players congratulating Joao Pedro after goal
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Enzo Fernandez is the most improved player under Enzo Maresca
If you are talking about Chelsea’s best player, that honour has to go to either Cole Palmer or Moises Caicedo.
Caicedo should also be in the discussion for the most improved player under Maresca; however, towards the end of the 2023/24 season, he was already starting to perform at a very high level. Therefore, you would have to agree with what is being said about Fernandez inside Chelsea.
Last term, the Argentina international scored more goals and managed to record more assists compared to the 2023/24 campaign, though he did play more minutes. His average for key passes per game also increased.
Season League apps Minutes Goals Assists Key passes per game
2024/25 36 2,948 6 7 2.2
2023/24 28 2,215 3 2 1.1
Via WhoScored
This season, Fernandez has scored three goals in the Premier League, already matching his tally from the 2023/24 campaign.
It was not always clear to see what Pochettino was trying to do with Fernandez, but he has a more defined role under Maresca, which has undoubtedly contributed to his improvement at Stamford Bridge.