Enzo Maresca has found the solution to Cole Palmer’s absence, he must start vs Arsenal
Enzo Maresca would have been thrilled by Enzo Fernandez’s performance against Barcelona on 25 November as Chelsea prepare to take on Arsenal this weekend.
Chelsea demolished Barcelona with a 3-0 victory in the Champions League, a result that became far easier to achieve thanks to Ronald Araujo’s silly red card.
Liam Delap came off the bench to score for Chelsea as they continue their recent excellent run of form in all competitions.
Yet, it what was previously a headache in the injury-induced absence of Cole Palmer, Maresca has been able to resolve the void left by the Englishman with the brilliance of Fernandez.
Maresca with a selection masterclass as Enzo Fernandez excels in attacking role
With the number 20 failing to make an appearance since the 2-1 defeat to Man United on 20 September, the Italian has sought a solution to ensure the Blues don’t lose their attacking flow.
The man to step up in the number 10 role has been Fernandez, excelling in a more advanced position in the team.
The Argentine assumed the same role against the Blaugrana in Europe and was one of the standout performers for Chelsea.
His heat map, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, highlighted his importance in the west London outfit’s all-round build-up play as he raced all over the pitch.
Conversely, the 24-year-old was very involved in everything the Blues did going forward, as he racked up two key passes and one created one big chance, leading to Delap’s goal.
Moreover, the World Cup winner peppered the Barcelona goal, taking four shots during the 90 minutes to trouble Joan Garcia.
Additionally, Fernandez accrued an 87 per cent passing accuracy as he looked after the ball in both halves of the pitch.
Chelsea coping without Palmer but Arsenal test presents different level of challenge
Whilst the South American has flourished in the absence of Palmer, the Blues now have one of their hardest tests of the season as they take on league leaders Arsenal on 30 November.
The Gunners are in a flow state as they target a long-awaited Premier League title with many teams unable to cope with their brilliance.
Chelsea will have to be on top of their game when they host Mikel Arteta’s side in what could be an important fixture in the grand scheme of the 2025-26 campaign.
Maresca will be fully aware of their London rivals’ six-point advantage, one that could be halved with a victory at Stamford Bridge in front of the home crowd.