Enzo Fernandez continued his really strong start to the campaign with a late goal in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Burnley.
Fernandez already has five for the season now, and has certainly unlocked a new element of his game since Enzo Maresca took over.
The World Cup winner was fresh for the Blues after he made the decision to skip Argentina duty during the international break to aid an ongoing fitness woe.
Who was your player of the match vs Burnley?
Fernandez ranked highly in our player ratings for the win against Burnley, with him and Andrey Santos forming a very strong pairing in the middle in the absence of Moises Caicedo.
Burnley v Chelsea - Premier League
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Why Enzo Fernandez was actually crucial for Pedro Neto’s goal vs Burnley
Before he found the net late on, Pedro Neto had given the Blues the lead with a diving header at the back post.
While the Portugal international and Jamie Gittens were initially given the praise for the goal, former Chelsea star Joe Cole actually believes Fernandez deserves all the praise.
He told TNT Sports: “What Enzo does – he makes a run, attracts Hartman, and they just get doubled up at the back post. For me, the midfielders not picking up Enzo there, Hartman has to jump in on him.”
Fernandez has been a real threat for Chelsea by making late runs into the box, shown again by his goal after brilliant work by Marc Guiu to lay it off for him.
Pedro Neto celebrates Chelsea goal
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Fernandez making case as Chelsea’s most important player
Fernandez is seen at Chelsea as their most improved player in recent months, and he has picked up where he left off before the international break.
There was plenty of responsibility on the midfielder against Burnley, with neither of Cole Palmer or Caicedo starting the game and a win being crucial for their hopes of mounting a title challenge this season.
Maresca will be hoping his personal two-week break will help him be ready for crucial games against Barcelona and Arsenal in the coming eight days, with the club’s seasons heavily relying on those outings.