Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo both had slow slow starts to their lives at Chelsea.
Neither Mauricio Pochettino nor Enzo Maresca really knew how to get the best out of the pairing.
Both were expensive, highly-coveted signings. Caicedo basically anchors Chelsea’s entire midfield in front of the defence, putting out fires and starting moves.
But it has taken some time with Enzo Fernandes. Maresca and Liam Rosenior both moved Fernandez closer to goal, and it’s worked.
Fernandez has 16 direct goal contributions across all competitions this season, scoring 11 and providing five assists. And many of those have come from Frank Lampard-esque movements.
In this Article we’ll cover:
Fernandez’s late arrivals into the box
The previous problem for Fernandez was because managers had previously insisted on playing him in a double pivot alongside Caicedo. But now that he is further forward, you can see the flexibility with more support behind him.
Fernandez can drop deeper to overwhelm and outnumber midfielders, joining the attack later on to get onto the end of crosses.
Against Aston Villa, Reece James and Moises Caicedo were the double pivot, but Cole Palmer dropped in alongside Fernandez to form a box midfield. Rosenior loads the midfield with an extra player to take the pressure off Caicedo in the build up, with either James or Andrey Santos next to him.
But it isn’t just Fernandez getting onto the end of cutbacks or arriving late to head him. He is extremely effective operating as an advanced playmaker.
When there are players in the box, Fernandez’s late arrival on the adge allows Chelsea to flood the area without ever having to throw it in there. Instead, they can cut back to Fernandez, who can play pinpoint passes in behind.
The idea to move Fernandez closer to goal was simple. But it means he doesn’t need to figure out how to get the ball from defence into attack — a much harder skill.
Growth at Chelsea
Fernandez didn’t have an easy start to his Chelsea career. Star signings were made by a new regime and he was a British record transfer at the time.
Things weren’t great off the pitch, either. Fernandez was signed with Graham Potter in charge, but he only lasted a few months, with Frank Lampard taking over. Chelsea ended that campaign 12th.
His temperament was questions and so was his spot in the Chelsea squad, after having to apologise to teammates for being involved in chanting racist and homophobic slurs while on international duty.
But Fernandez’s relationship with his teammates has clearly improved, and he has emerged as one of the leaders in a young team. His aggressive, passionate nature has also endeared him to the fans. Physically, he looks miles stronger in duels.
It also helps that Chelsea finally have a crop of young stars merging together, rather than relying on one or two to be very good.
Joao Pedro is having a fantastic debut season, while James has shaken off his injury struggles. Caicedo is also one of the best midfielders in the league and Palmer is getting consistent minutes after multiple injuries.
There’s also the case of fans expecting immediate results from players signed for astronomical fees. But it’s rarely the case.
The age factor of Chelsea’s signings isn’t taken into account too much, due to how aggressive they are in the transfer market. The Blues tend to stockpile talent without having a complete plan for each player.
But Fernandez is still only 25. And well on course to eclipse last season’s tally of 11 direct goal involvements. With a squad full of young players coming into form, the sky could be the limit.
Lampard was one of the Premier League greats. He made a habit of hosting past defenders and scoring at the last moment, when you didn’t expect him to.
Fernandez is now emulating his game, to emerge as one of the best players in the league.