A year ago
Enzo Fernandez may soon have the opportunity to play alongside his dream midfield partner as Chelsea looks to strengthen its squad this summer. Under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, the club is eager to maximize Fernandez's potential. Since joining Chelsea in January, the 22-year-old midfielder has showcased impressive performances, consistently leaving the sense that there is even more to come.
Fernandez has already made a mark with two assists, both of which displayed his ability to deliver precise passes that caught Premier League defenses off guard. Despite his relatively short time in England, he has seamlessly adapted to the league and currently ranks third among players with over 10 matches played in terms of progressive passes per 90, just behind Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jorginho.
His passing statistics are also notable, ranking in the top 10 for players with the highest number of completed passes per 90. Moreover, considering his recent arrival, Fernandez has covered an impressive distance with his passes. However, it is important to note that he has yet to experience the benefits of playing in a settled team or in his preferred position.
While it is easy to compare Fernandez to a younger version of Jorginho, capable of orchestrating play from a deep-lying midfield position, he is actually better suited to a more advanced role. In this position, he excels at lofting and clipping balls for his forwards to run onto. Nonetheless, his performances as a quarterback-type player have been consistently strong.
To fully unlock Fernandez's potential, it is crucial for Pochettino to deploy him in a comfortable role. Fernandez thrives when given the freedom to roam in a double-pivot or operate in advanced areas. Without a midfield partner who can provide additional defensive support, Fernandez's effectiveness is somewhat diminished.
However, it should be noted that Pochettino, known for his tactical acumen, appreciates Fernandez's bravery, tenacity, and skill. While he may not be an immediate fit for the position of a defensive midfielder who drops into the center-back position when necessary, Fernandez possesses qualities that Pochettino admires.
In Pochettino's quest to maximize Fernandez's abilities, Chelsea is reportedly ready to compete with Liverpool and Aston Villa for the signature of a player the Argentine manager is already familiar with. According to Portuguese outlet Record, Sporting CP's Manuel Ugarte is one of the players being considered by Chelsea this summer.
In conclusion, Chelsea and Pochettino are eager to bring in a suitable midfield partner for Enzo Fernandez to further enhance his performances. By providing Fernandez with the right support and deploying him in his preferred role, they aim to unlock his full potential and ensure that he continues to impress on the field..
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