Solely Mohamed Salah has scored extra targets and assisted greater than Enzo Fernandez within the Premier League over the previous six weeks. However he was extra within the collective. His response when the numbers had been handed to him confirmed why he’s thought-about a frontrunner by Enzo Maresca.
“I am not a giant fan of statistics,” Fernandez stated sky sports activities. “After all, I like to attain factors. I wish to get assists. However an important factor is all the time what the group and the supervisor need. If the group wins, I’ll go residence happier than scoring a aim or aiding.”
A lot to Chelsea’s delight, each are taking place. They face Everton on Sunday, having gained eight consecutive video games in all competitions. The hole on Premier League leaders Liverpool has been diminished to 2 factors, with Fernandes taking part in a key function, scoring three targets and aiding 4 in six video games.
“I am very proud of how issues are going. I’ve labored lots for this. That is the sensation each participant needs. I am proud of my very own efficiency, however much more proud of the group’s efficiency, which is an important factor. essential.
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Jamie Carragher offers his verdict on Chelsea’s title possibilities
From shedding his place at Chelsea in October to turning into one of many Premier League’s greatest performers two months later, there’s been one thing of a change. Maresca described the 23-year-old Argentine World Cup winner as a “function mannequin” for his team-mates’ response to being omitted.
“I have been by way of plenty of troublesome moments in my profession,” Fernandez stated. “I do know that by way of onerous work and humility, I can regain the sensation I would like.
“I all the time attempt to be with the group and help all of the gamers who play. Even when I do not play, I all the time attempt to practice the identical manner and help the group in each sport, irrespective of what number of minutes I’ve and after I can use it at any time when I want it.
“I preserve a powerful head, work with humility, help my teammates and the teaching employees. I need to proceed studying and be open to potentialities. As Enzo stated, I hope I generally is a function mannequin for the group. Now it is about taking the lead Proceed in the identical manner.
Fernandes has needed to shoulder a £107m price ticket since arriving from Benfica two years in the past and has embraced a brand new place, adapting to the calls for of a extra ahead strategy beforehand used on the base of midfield.
Fernandes’ warmth map highlights how he is pushing ahead
He appears like a participant who has damaged free because the change, and his offensive output has modified as effectively. The variety of passes, photographs and possibilities created by Fernandes within the opposition half has skyrocketed and his wonderful imaginative and prescient now helps to unlock defences.
“I’ll all the time do regardless of the coach asks me to do,” he stated. “Irrespective of which place I am requested to play, I will give my greatest and play for the group.
“Now, I am being requested to play nearer to the penalty space and have alternatives to attain or help my teammates. That is a great factor and I actually like this place.”
Nevertheless, this isn’t a purely offensive function. Together with Moises Caicedo, he’s additionally anticipated to guard Chelsea’s defence. “When it is time to assault, it is an attacking place, however when it is time to defend, I’ve to return to Moi to shut the house between the traces.”
Fernandez’s knowledge after altering positions
Maresca stated his choice to exchange Fernandez with Romeo Lavia was as a consequence of an absence of health, however he responded in that regard through the use of the few weeks he was out to enhance his depth off the ball. Monitoring knowledge confirmed he ran additional and sprinted extra.
“It is a very demanding function, particularly within the Premier League the place the soccer is extra direct. I’ve carried out plenty of work to get to the fitting stage bodily. I am very proud of that side.”
Daily we get to know one another higher. He is an awesome participant. I hope to spend a few years on the pitch with him
Point out Caicedo and other people smile. It is apparent they’re shut each on and off the court docket. “It is unbelievable to share the pitch with Moi. When the membership signed him, I insisted he come to Chelsea. Now that he is right here you’ll be able to see he isn’t an strange participant.”
“He is an awesome man too and he brings lots to us as a group and as teammates. We get alongside rather well. Daily we get to know one another higher. He is an awesome participant. I hope to share lots Spent a few years with him on the Chelsea pitch.
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Fernandes assisted the second aim within the 2-1 win over Brentford
Chelsea’s second aim in final weekend’s win over Brentford confirmed how effectively they complement one another, with Caicedo successful possession earlier than passing to his midfield associate for an ideal end The go freed up Nicholas Jackson.
Fernandez additionally had glowing feedback about Cole Palmer.
“Cole has confirmed that he’s an excellent participant, however he has additionally labored onerous every single day to get to the place he’s in the present day. Nobody is aware of what he can obtain in soccer, however I consider in him and I consider he’ll He achieves all the things he places into his concepts due to the unbelievable qualities he possesses.
The aim for myself and the membership is to win each sport we play.
Nevertheless, Maresca has impressed optimism round Chelsea this season. “We solely had him for a number of months, however from the start he was very clear about when to work and when to convey his soccer philosophy, additionally to his teaching employees,” Fernandez stated. “We absolutely perceive his plan.”
Maresca instantly confirmed confidence in Fernandez and appointed him captain in August within the absence of Reece James as a consequence of damage, though he made headlines for the unsuitable causes in Argentina that summer time. “I am very grateful,” he stated.
Fernandes’s Premier League targets this season are half the identical as final season
He described carrying the armband as “a really stunning factor” and praised Maresca’s directness of communication. “He is very trustworthy and all the time up entrance, which helps the group lots. You may see we’re very completely satisfied and that is because of him and his employees.”
Maresca performed down Chelsea’s title possibilities regardless of their sturdy begin to the season, whereas Fernandes despatched an identical message – albeit with clear ambitions.
“There’s nonetheless lots to do. We’re simply taking it weekend after weekend. I do not need to set a goal that may not be crucial now. However after all, as a participant, I’ve all the time dreamed of doing effectively and successful the Premier League in opposition to A dream for all of us.
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Highlights from Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur, together with Fernandes’ aim
“For me and the membership, the aim is to win each sport we play. That’s the historical past of Chelsea. The historical past of the membership represents that.”
After all, Fernandez has already lifted the largest trophy of all, taking part in an important function in Argentina’s success on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“Profitable the World Cup at such a younger age is unbelievable,” he stated. “However I by no means felt prefer it was sufficient. Behind my thoughts, I used to be all the time chasing extra. I wished to realize extra.”
Chelsea, beneath Enzo Fernandez, will hope so too.
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