Enzo Maresca in hot water as Chelsea boss urged not to waste £106m weapon at Liverpool

Chelsea fans have been left pleading with manager Enzo Maresca to change the role of one of the club’s most expensive signings. A host of club players have returned to west London from international duty this week, with Enzo Fernandez one of the major talking points following his stellar display for Argentina against Bolivia.

The 23-year-old wasn’t on the scoresheet in his country’s 6-0 on Tuesday night, but was still instrumental as the current World Cup holders continued their march towards the 2026 version in Canada, USA, and Mexico.

Playing in a deep-lying midfield role, Fernandez appeared to pull the strings, and was denied a first half assist when his pin-point cross was headed home by Nicolas Otamendi – only for VAR to rule out the goal.

Over the 90 minutes, Fernandez recorded 126 touches, 60 of them coming in the first 45 minutes. He also completed 108 of his 113 attempted passes, giving him a 96 per cent completion rate.

Seven of his passes to team-mates were considered ‘long passes’, while the former Benfica man also won three of his six duels. His stats left him head and shoulders above any other individual from either side. 

And his performance, as well as his different role, prompted a widespread reaction from fans of the Blues. Just a month after helping Argentina lift the Jules Rimet in Qatar, Fernandez arrived at Stamford Bridge for a package worth £106.8million but is largely perceived to have underwhelmed in the Premier League since.

Chelsea supporters are now urging Maresca to scrap his current ploy of playing Fernandez in an advanced midfield role, and want the change made in time for the trip to Liverpool this Sunday. “Maresca please I’m on my knees, stop this attacking midfielder gimmick,” said @anon9876519 on X, reacting to video footage of his latest display.

“Enzo Fernandez has had 60 touches in the first half alone playing deeper, compare it to the touches he’s been averaging for us when he plays for us higher up the pitch,” added @CFCDray. “Yes playing deep…that’s where he need be for us as well!” said @CFC_Dante28.

@junior_razaa wrote: “Our coach should be up watching this game,” while @TeamPrinsley posted: “The Argentine version of Enzo Fernandez is exactly what we need against Liverpool on Sunday.”

Maresca’s side now face a critical fortnight that as well as the trip to Anfield, includes Premier League games with Newcastle and Manchester United, as well as Europa Conference League and League Cup ties. And unlocking the form, and best role of Fernandez, could yet prove pivotal to Chelsea succeeding this season.

The club currently lie fourth in England’s top flight, four points off leaders Liverpool. Fernandez is yet to lift a domestic or European trophy since his move, with Chelsea’s last silverware coming at the FIFA World Club Cup in February 2022.