Enzo Maresca is overrated, overpriced and overhyped; there was a reason Chelsea wanted him gone - and Manchester City turned a blind eye to it
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez is overpriced and overrated (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
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Enzo Maresca's obsession with Enzo Fernandez is difficult to fathom. Because the harsh truth of the matter is that in return for spending a club record £125m, Maresca has invited a world of trouble to his Manchester City door.
Shrinking violet, Fernandez isn't. Fernandez is the polar opposite of someone with composure, class and grace. Just a few weeks ago, need we recall, Fernandez was mocking England in the wake of Argentina's semi final triumph at the World Cup.
Following the match, Fernandez shared a photo of himself, Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes laughing on social media. He accompanied it with the Oasis song 'Wonderwall' , which had become England's anthem during the tournament. It was a crass thing to do, considering he earns a very healthy living in the nation he was taking the rise out of.
In the final, Fernandez became the first player to be sent off in the showpiece game since 2010. He left the field, but not before managing to kick out at a pitch side microphone.
There is a way to win and a way to lose. Unfortunately for Fernandez, he is unaware of how to do either.
Since heading back to Chelsea for the new domestic season, all Fernandez has done is make it crystal clear he didn't want to be there. Having flirted with Real Madrid, Fernandez decided to fall in love with City instead. How charming.
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez is one heck of an expensive risk taken by Manchester City (Image: Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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He never came close to helping Chelsea win a title. He finished 10th last season, and sixth the one before that. He has never been within 15 points of the top of the table.
What he is capable of, however, is looking better than he actually is, due to having top quality around him. Argentina have proved this. Perhaps this is Maresca's masterplan, when it comes to a footballer he remains fascinated by.
But he should have been running a mile from Fernandez, not welcoming him to Manchester with open arms. Replacing Pep Guardiola is difficult enough, without taking such an expensive gamble on a footballer who is an expert at causing and finding trouble.
All Fernandez has to do know is show the consistency and temperament required to help City win big trophies again.
Prove how a devout Christian who believes in God, can be heavenly instead of hellish both on and off the pitch, to have the last laugh on those who doubt and question him.
Yet it's still hard to see past the opinion that Fernandez appears to be more trouble than he's worth. Which, for the record, shouldn't be a figure even close to what he's just cost the richest club in the land.
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