Liam Rosenior will have learnt a whole lot about his Chelsea players over the past week. While he might have been thrown in at the deep end, it has allowed him to get to know his players instantly.
Not just in terms of footballing quality, versatility and tactical nous, but personality and what they are capable of in times of adversity. On Wednesday night, Chelsea showed grit to come back against Arsenal.
On Saturday afternoon, Rosenior will get his first crack at Premier League football as a manager and he will be desperate to end a month-long wait for a league win, the last victory coming against Everton.
QUESTION: Who is out there that fits the description for Chelsea?đź‘€
An experienced centre-back…
Jamie Redknapp suggests Chelsea centre-back signing
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The Blues will be favourites, with Cole Palmer, Reece James and Malo Gusto expected to be available after missing the last two games. But it is another that has caught the eye of Rosenior in his first two games.
Liam Rosenior is already head over heels for one Chelsea player
Having come off the bench against Charlton and scoring, Enzo Fernandez was given a central role by Rosenior on Wednesday night. In his last game against Arsenal, Fernandez managed just 37 touches.
Chelsea v Arsenal - Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg
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But in this new role under Rosenior, a dictator of the tempo and the player who orchestrates what the Blues do, he touched the ball 100 times. Rosenior told BeIN Sports that he already loves the Argentine.
Indeed, Chelsea gaffer Rosenior has been delighted by the World Cup winner’s enthusiasm and attitude during matches: “I think Enzo shows passion and commitment. I thought he ran himself to the ground.
“But I thought the longer the game went on, the more he actually had an influence on the game. He was outstanding. He’s one of the leaders in the group, and I love having him in the group,” Rosenior added.
How long would you have offered to Rosenior? 🖋️
Maresca got five and the option for one more, too.
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Liam Rosenior might be happy, but Enzo is not delighted
Fernandez has been excellent and as long as he is at Chelsea, will continue to be a key player for the Blues. But how long will he remain a Chelsea player? That is a question that might soon be answered.
Reports from France claim Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing the former Benfica midfielder at some point. Whether that is this month, or at the end of the season, the chances are it is the latter.
The report also claims that actually, Fernandez got on well with his namesake Enzo Maresca and he is unhappy with the way in which the former Leicester and Parma manager was given his marching orders.
John Obi Mikel has made it clear that Rosenior must win over Fernandez, Palmer and Caicedo to get the whole squad on side and while Fernandez is upset by Maresca’s exit, then Rosenior may struggle.
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