Chelsea is preparing to count on Enzo Fernandez as a key figure in their push for European football, with manager Enzo Maresca shaping his tactical plans around the Argentine midfielder. While Chelsea has experienced mixed results lately, Fernandez has remained one of the standout performers, gradually growing into his role after overcoming early season challenges and a previous injury that had disrupted his rhythm.
Fernandez’s Growing Influence
Having joined the club for a record fee, expectations have always been high for Fernandez. Recent months have seen him consistently deliver performances that justify the investment. His ability to move the ball through tight spaces and deliver incisive passes has made him an essential part of Chelsea’s midfield. Whether it’s threading passes through the lines or lofting accurate balls out wide, Fernandez offers a versatility that no one else in the current squad can replicate.
His contribution has been especially vital with Cole Palmer’s form dipping and other creative options struggling with injuries or inconsistency. Even in games where Chelsea hasn’t impressed overall, Fernandez has provided moments of quality, like setting up long-range strikes or contributing with goals and assists in crucial matches.
Chelsea is set to play Brentford away on 6 April 2025, with bookmakers placing them as favourites at 11/10 odds. Given these odds and Fernandez’s current form, many Blues fans will be backing Chelsea to walk away with all three points. Many of the best betting sites not on GamStop 2025 offer punters fast payouts through diverse transaction methods, competitive odds, and enticing bonuses such as welcome rewards, free bets, and VIP rewards, making these platforms a fitting choice for those looking to capitalise on Fernandez’s growing influence from midfield going into the fixture.
Tactical Role Under Maresca
Maresca has been working closely with Fernandez, reportedly tweaking his role to get the most out of his skill set. There has been a noticeable shift towards pushing him into more advanced positions, encouraging late runs into the box and trusting him to dictate play higher up the field. This shift is already paying dividends, with Fernandez producing a complete turnaround in form and displaying a level of dynamism that has sometimes been lacking in both his domestic and international performances.
The Argentine’s recent success with the national team, where he scored and assisted in a significant win, reflects his growing confidence and form. At Chelsea, the coaching staff hopes to channel that same energy into the final stretch of the Premier League campaign. With a vice-captaincy role, Fernandez is also expected to lead by example on and off the pitch.
A Pivotal Stretch Ahead
Chelsea now faces a nine-game sprint that will determine their European fate. The club’s ambition to return to the Champions League depends heavily on results in this final phase. Fernandez is seen as the “secret weapon” who can tip the balance, especially with his experience, technical ability, and leadership qualities.
He has already proven that he can rise to big occasions, whether for River Plate, Benfica, or Argentina. At 24, Fernandez knows that failing to qualify this season could delay his return to Europe’s top club competition until he’s well into his mid-20s. This adds extra urgency to his performances as Chelselooksok to climb the table.
Support Cast Must Step Up
While Fernandez is drawing plenty of praise, Chelsea’s success in the coming weeks won’t rest on his shoulders alone. The midfield dynamic alongside Moises Caicedo must continue to develop, especially in games where possession battles are tight. Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke will also need to make better use of Fernandez’s forward passes and runs.
Defensively, consistency remains an issue, putting added pressure on the midfield to control games from deeper positions. At the same time, Chelsea’s struggle to score goals consistently has made it harder to capitalise on dominant spells in matches which has further led to Chelsea’s patchy form. If the team can tighten up at the back and find a more reliable attacking rhythm, reducing their dependency on individual brilliance, the overall structure will give Fernandez the freedom to operate in more advanced zones. The coaching staff’s ability to strike this balance could be the deciding factor in their push for European qualification.
Conclusion
Enzo Fernandez is entering a defining moment in his Chelsea career. With the squad facing inconsistency and a tough fixture list, his influence could prove decisive. Maresca’s confidence in Fernandez and the midfielder’s rising form have aligned at just the right time. If Chelsea is to secure European football, much will depend on Fernandez maintaining this upward trajectory and driving the team forward when it matters most.
