The Maresca Effect: Chelsea’s Tactical Revolution
Enzo Maresca’s arrival at Stamford Bridge has brought a fresh tactical identity to Chelsea. Seven games into the Premier League season, the Blues are unbeaten since their opening-day loss to Manchester City, sitting six points better off than at this stage last campaign. While Cole Palmer’s rise and defensive solidity have been highlights, one question looms large: How does Maresca maximize Enzo Fernandez‘s potential?
The Argentine midfielder, a £106.8m record signing in 2023, remains an enigma. Once hailed as a World Cup-winning maestro, Fernandez now faces scrutiny over his consistency. Yet, Maresca has doubled down on his faith, handing him the captain’s armband in Reece James’ absence—a bold move following Fernandez’s off-field controversy involving a discriminatory chant.
Fernandez’s New Role: A Left-Sided No. 8
Under Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, Fernandez operated as a deep-lying playmaker. Maresca, however, has pushed him higher up the pitch, mirroring roles like Declan Rice at Arsenal or Ilkay Gündoğan at Manchester City.
Key Tactical Adjustments:
- Positional Shift: Fernandez now plays as a left-sided No. 8, closer to the flank.
- Defensive Cover: Malo Gusto tucks into midfield, allowing Fernandez to focus on creativity.
- Balance Over Volume: Maresca prioritizes Fernandez’s vision in breaking lines over sheer pass volume.
Fernandez’s heatmap shows a clear shift toward advanced areas under Maresca.
The Data Dilemma: Declining Influence?
Despite the tactical tweaks, Fernandez‘s metrics have dipped:
- 20% fewer touches per game compared to 2023/24.
- 30% fewer passes, with reduced creativity in the final third.
- More dribbled past (2.3 per 90), exposing defensive frailties.
“He presses when he can’t win the ball, then blames teammates,” noted Baji pundit Gary Neville. Jamie Redknapp added, “The Premier League’s intensity overwhelms him.”
Chelsea’s Win Rate Paradox
A startling trend emerges: Chelsea’s win rate drops to 32.3% with Fernandez starting versus 84.2% without him since his debut. While not solely his fault—given Chelsea’s systemic chaos—it underscores his struggle to dominate games.
What’s Next?
Maresca remains optimistic, stating Fernandez is “doing very good in the new role.” But with Conor Gallagher and Moisés Caicedo excelling, patience may wear thin.
Baji Verdict: A Pivotal Season Ahead
Fernandez’s technical brilliance is undeniable, but his fit in Maresca’s system remains a work in progress. As Chelsea face Liverpool this weekend, all eyes will be on whether the Argentine can silence critics and justify his price tag.
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