“He was excellent” – Maresca lauds Chelsea star with point to prove for Arsenal performance | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has labelled Enzo Fernandez’s cameo against Arsenal as excellent, but admitted the midfielder didn’t start for tactical reasons.

The Blues battled to a hard fought draw against the Gunners which saw them move into third in the league heading into the international break.

Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal the lead but the Blues hit back through a brilliant effort from Pedro Neto, but they couldn’t find a winner as their wait for  a statement win this season continues.

Maresca praises excellent Fernandez

Once again Maresca went with Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo in midfield meaning despite getting three assists against Noah in the Conference League and coming off at half time, Fernandez was once again on the bench.

The World Cup winner was introduced in place of Lavia after 68 minutes and made an immediate impact as he provided the assist Neto’s equaliser just two minutes after he came in.

Fernandez injected a bit of impetus into proceedings and demonstrated the quality he possesses and it’s clear that when he doesn’t play the Blues do lack creativity in midfield and it’s up to Maresca to find the right balance in the middle of the park.

Fernandez impressed from the bench against Arsenal. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Speaking after the game the Italian admitted Fernandez didn’t start for tactical reason, but described his performance as excellent.

“Enzo [Fernandez] was ready to play from the start but we decided not to for a tactical reason but then he was excellent,” he said as cited on X.com.

Having lost his place in the side recent reports emerged of the Argentina international being linked with a swap deal involving Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni, although those reports are subsequently believed to be wide of the mark.

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Fernandez will of course be disappointed he’s lost his place in the team, and former Premier League striker Tory Deeney believes Chelsea need to try every way possible to get him in the side.

There are plenty of games left this season and Fernandez will no doubt get the opportunity to start in the league soon, but like the other players he’s got to make the most of the minutes given to him.