Only Mohamed Salah has more goals and assists than Enzo Fernandez in the last six weeks in the Premier League. But he is more interested in the collective. His response when given the numbers shows why Enzo Maresca sees him as a leader.
“I'm not very good at statistics,” says Fernandez Sky Sports. “Of course, I like to score. I like to get assists. But the priority is always the team and what the manager wants. If the team wins, I go home happier because of that than because of a goal or an assist.”
Fortunately for Chelsea, both things are happening. They face Everton on Sunday on the back of an eight-game winning streak in all competitions. The gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool has been reduced to two points and Fernandez has been key with three goals and four assists in six games.
“I'm very happy with how things are going. I worked hard for it. That's the feeling every player wants. I am satisfied with my performances, but even more with the performance of the team, which is the most important thing. I will continue to work to help my teammates.
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Jamie Carragher delivers his verdict on Chelsea's title chances
From losing his place in the Chelsea squad in October to becoming one of the Premier League's best players two months later has been something of a turnaround. Maresca described the 23-year-old, a World Cup winner with Argentina, as an “example” to his team-mates for his response to the withdrawal.
“I've been through a lot of tough times in my career,” Fernandez says. “I knew that with hard work and humility, I would be able to come back the way I wanted to.
“I always tried to be together with the group and cheer for whoever was playing. Even when I'm not playing, I always try to train in the same way, to support the team in every game, in any minute I get, and to be available and ready when I'm needed.
“I stayed strong in my head and worked with humility, supporting my teammates and coaching staff. I wanted to keep learning and be open to opportunities. I hope I've been an example to the group, as Enzo said. Now it's about continuing on the same way.”
Fernandez has had to shoulder the burden of a £107m price tag since his arrival from Benfica two years ago, and has also embraced a new position, adapting to the tactical demands of a more forward presence previously employed in the base of midfield.
Fernandez's heat charts highlight how he plays further
He looks like a player unshackled by change, his attacking output transformed. Fernandez's numbers for passes in the opposition half, shots and chances created have increased, and his outstanding vision now helps unlock defences.
“I will always do whatever the coach asks of me,” he says. “In whatever position I play, I will give the best version of myself and work for the team.
“At the moment, I'm asked to play a little closer to the pot, with the opportunity to score or assist my teammates. It's a nice thing and I like the position a lot.”
It is not a purely offensive role, however. Along with Moises Caicedo, he is also expected to protect Chelsea's defence. “It's an attacking position when it's time to attack, but when it's time to defend I have to get back alongside Moi to close the space between the lines.”
Fernandez's numbers since his position change
Maresca said his decision to drop Fernandez over Romeo Lavia was down to a lack of physicality, but he responded on that front as well, using the weeks off the pitch to work on his intensity off the ball. Tracking data shows him running further and sprinting more.
“It's a very demanding role, especially in the Premier League where the football is more direct. I've worked hard to be at the right level physically. I'm really happy with that side of things.”
Every day we understand each other more and more. He is an exceptional player. I hope to share many years with him on the field
The mention of Caicedo brings a smile. It is clear that they are as close to the field as they are on it. “To share the pitch with Moi is unbelievable. I pushed a lot for him to come to Chelsea when the club went to sign him. Now he's here, you see he's not a normal player.
“He is also a great person and brings a lot to us as a team and as a teammate. We get along very well. We understand each other better every day. He is an exceptional player. I hope to share many years with him on the pitch here at Chelsea.”
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Fernandez assisted the second goal in a 2–1 win over Brentford
The passage of play that led to Chelsea's second goal in last weekend's win over Brentford showed them complementing each other, with Caicedo winning possession and then feeding his midfield partner to release Nicolas Jackson with a perfectly timed pass.
Fernandez also offers a great review of Cole Palmer.
“Cole has shown that he is a very good player, but he also works hard every day to be where he is today. Nobody knows what he will be able to achieve in football, but I believe in him and I believe that he will achieve everything he puts his mind to. because he has incredible quality.”
For me and the club, the goal is to win every competition we play. That is the history of Chelsea
However, it is Maresca who inspires optimism around Chelsea this season. “We only had a few months with him, but from the beginning he was very clear when it was time to work and time to convey his idea of football and also to his coaching staff,” says Fernandez. “We understood his plan perfectly.”
Maresca immediately showed his faith in Fernandez, making him captain in the absence of the injured Reece James in August, despite hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons in Argentina that summer. “I was more than grateful,” he says.
Fernandez has scored as many goals in the Premier League this term as in the previous season and a half
He describes wearing the armband as “something very beautiful” and praises the directness of Maresca's communication. “He's very honest, always up front and that's helped the group a lot. You can see we're very happy and that's thanks to him and his staff.”
Maresca has played down Chelsea's title chances despite their strong start to the campaign, and Fernandez is projecting a similar message – although his ambitions are clear.
“There's still a lot to do. We're just going from weekend to weekend. I don't want to set a goal that maybe isn't necessary at the moment. But of course, as a player, I've always dreamed of being great. Winning the Premier League would be a dream for all of us.
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Highlights from Chelsea's 4-3 win against Tottenham, in which Fernandez scored
“For me and the club, the goal is to win every competition we play in. That's the history of Chelsea. The history of the club represents that.”
Of course, Fernandez has already lifted the biggest trophy of all, playing a key role in Argentina's success at the World Cup in Qatar 2022. But his appetite for further silverware is clear.
“Winning the World Cup was an incredible thing to do so young,” he says. “But I never felt it was enough. In my head I always thought about going for more. I hope to achieve much more.”
With Enzo Fernandez in charge, Chelsea are hoping for the same.
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