Fernandez Alonso
Fernandez Alonso
Xabi Alonso has spoken about his plan for Enzo Fernandez if he stays at Chelsea, and he could get even more out of the midfielder than his former manager did.
Enzo Maresca enjoyed a strong relationship with Fernandez during their time together at Stamford Bridge, and it is no surprise he wants to bring him with him to make the transition at Manchester City easier.
However, up to now the Argentine remains at Chelsea, and Alonso has been speaking about his plans for how he will use him if he stays at the club.
Where will Chelsea finish in the Premier League in 2026/27?
Let's hear how you think Xabi Alonso will get on this season…
Xabi Alonso planning to get more out of Enzo Fernandez in deeper role
He told Football London: “He can do both [deep-lying and advanced midfield], mainly because of the balance in the positions.
“Coming from, not starting too high, starting from a build-up position, a playmaker, I think that when he’s with the ball he has the qualities to link to the short passes but the long ones as well. He’s able to see short and the farther players and from there he can progress.”
Chelsea FC Training and Press Conference
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Under Maresca, Fernandez operated very close to the striker, contributing towards him scoring 10 Premier League goals last season.
These roles look destined to go to Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers under Alonso though, and his most likely spot in the side will be alongside Moises Caicedo in a midfield two.
Chelsea v Real Sociedad - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
When taking a look back at some of his most impressive performances, one that springs to mind was in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, where he played at the heart of midfield with a back three behind him.
In this position, he was allowed to get on the ball far more often, completing 85 passes and the most dribbles of any player on the pitch.
Enzo Fernandez reaction on Chelsea return
Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images
Fernandez was given the Player of the Match award for his performance, and frequently impressed when in that role under Mauricio Pochettino, and even Graham Potter before him.
Plenty would not want to see Fernandez’s goal tally decrease by moving him deeper, but it can also be forgotten just how good he is at controlling the game from a deeper position.
His brilliance in possession would allow Rogers and Palmer to maintain their position higher up the pitch, and link up with Joao Pedro in what looks a devastating front three.