Chelsea's hopes of automatically progressing to the UEFA Champions League knockouts were dealt a setback after they were beaten 2-1 by Atalanta on Tuesday night. The Blues fell to defeat in Bergamo after taking the lead, and one of Enzo Maresca's men has been put on blast by supporters.
The visitors took the lead through Joao Pedro, who found the back of the net after meeting Reece James' cross in the 25th minute. But the Italians turned things around in the second half when Gianluca Scamacca headed home a 55th-minute equaliser and Charles De Ketelaere netted an 83rd-minute winner.
Chelsea's stunning 3-0 win against Barcelona on November 25th feels a lifetime ago amid a concerning spell for Maresca and his side, who haven't won a game since. The festive period is proving to be a chilly one for the west Londoners, and supporters have grown impatient with one of their star men.
"Not What We Think He Is" - Chelsea Fans Question Enzo Fernandez
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Enzo Fernandez has been a mainstay in Maresca's side this season, featuring in all but one of his team's 23 games across competitions. The Argentine midfielder has put in several stellar performances, including his outing in the win against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.
But there seems to be concerns over Fernandez's consistency and his showing against Atalanta has led to fans making their issues with the 24-year-old known. He lasted 67 minutes at the Gewiss Stadium before Maresca opted to bring Malo Gusto on in his place.
Fernandez was disappointing in the middle of the park, beaten on the ground in duels six out of nine times and unable to produce the playmaking abilities his team required. He did manage one key pass but wasn't the most assured in possession, finding his man with 13 of 19 passes in the opposition's half.
One fan was frustrated with the Argentina international:
"I need more from Enzo Fernandez out here, get the game by the scruff of its neck and get the team forward man."
Another suggested he struggles when his team aren't in control of a game:
"Enzo when things are going against him might be the worst footballer in the world."
One supporter feels many think Fernandez is better than he is:
"10 mins in and I say it again, Enzo Fernandez is not what we think he is."
Another added:
"I’ve seen traffic bollards move faster than Enzo Fernandez."
One fan said:
"I see why people don't rate Enzo Fernandez... Mid player.. Just nonsense passion and vibes..."
Fernandez has been one of Maresca's better performers this season, especially in games when the Blues have battled their way to victory in difficult circumstances. He was excellent in a 1-1 draw against Arsenal with his team a man down but tonight's outing has fans asking for more from the £106 million man.
Maresca: Enzo Fernandez Vital On and Off Pitch
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While Fernandez might not have enjoyed the best of nights against Atalanta, he remains one of Maresca's most important players. He's not just been available for all but one game this season but he is a leader who has worn the captain's armband on several occasions.
Maresca suggested that the 2022 World Cup Young Player of the Tournament was influential on the pitch and in the dressing room. The Italian coach told reporters ahead of the ongoing campaign:
"I am very pleased with Enzo especially because first of all he is a nice and polite boy, and then with us since we started he has been working very well in every aspect on and off the pitch."
Fernandez managed nine goals and 17 assists in 53 games across competitions last season. Maresca explained how he got to grips with his manager's brand of football:
"(Last) season he struggled a bit at the beginning to understand the way we want to play but (since) then he is doing fantastic also in terms of numbers, goals and assists."
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Fernandez has found the back of the net four times in 14 league outings this term, including in a 5-1 thrashing of Ajax in the Champions League. He will be hoping to bounce back from the Atalanta defeat when his side host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday (December 13th).