Liam Rosenior is yet to be given the opportunity to use Cole Palmer since taking over as Chelsea manager.
In the two cup games Rosenior has taken charge of, he has been missing a number of key players such as Reece James and Malo Gusto, although Palmer’s absence will always hit them hard in attack.
There is hope Palmer can return at the weekend to face Brentford, bringing more creativity to an attack which has already scored seven goals in the manager’s first two games in charge.
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Plenty of positives, plenty of negatives…
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Positives could still be taken from the EFL Cup semi-final first leg defeat to Arsenal. The Blues could easily be out of the tie by now, but Alejandro Garnacho’s brace has given them a fighting chance at the Emirates in February.
Chelsea v Arsenal - Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Liam Rosenior is building his Chelsea team around Enzo Fernandez
One big plus was the performance of Enzo Fernandez, tasked with being the experienced member of a midfield duo that did not include the suspended Moises Caicedo.
Enzo Maresca frequently used the World Cup winner in a more advanced role, and this came as an advantage when looking at his numbers.
Enzo Fernandez stats Games Goals Assists
2022/23 22 0 2
2023/24 40 7 4
2024/25 53 9 17
2025/26 30 8 3
Against Arsenal though, he was tasked with featuring in a deeper role, and this saw him have far more influence on proceedings.
He had 101 touches and completed 70 passes on Wednesday, in comparison to just 37 touches and 17 passes against the same opposition at the end of November.
There are few midfielders as good on the ball as Fernandez, and it looks as if Rosenior is aiming to utilise this as much as possible as he puts his stamp on his Chelsea side.
Chelsea v Arsenal - Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Rosenior has to get Enzo Fernandez onside
Rosenior’s biggest task is getting big names on board, and recent reports regarding the Argentine suggests that he has a task on his hands here.
DECISION TIME: If Liam Rosenior gets to pick one midfielder signing this month, who should it be?💰
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Chelsea midfielder targets
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Fernandez is not happy with Enzo Maresca’s departure, leading to him considering his future as PSG register interest in a summer deal.
Real Madrid are well-known admirers of Fernandez too, and either move would be seriously tempting for any player.
However, Rosenior is looking to show the midfielder that he is absolutely crucial to his plans at Chelsea, a club where he has a contract which extends for another five years.
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