“No don’t think that way is not up to PL standard” – Enzo Maresca warned Chelsea star is ‘not suited to the Premier League’

Is Enzo Fernandez Suited for the Premier League? Chelsea Legends Weigh In

A Record-Breaking Transfer

Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea in January 2023, arriving from Benfica for a massive £105 million fee, making him the costliest signing in British football history. His impressive performances with Argentina, especially during their victorious World Cup run in 2022, had set high expectations for his impact at Stamford Bridge. However, despite flashes of potential, Fernandez has struggled to deliver the influence that Chelsea fans hoped for consistently.

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Falling Down the Pecking Order

With Enzo Maresca focusing on establishing a more stable lineup, Fernandez has faced increased competition for a spot in Chelsea’s starting XI. Midfielders Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia have seemingly overtaken him, and Fernandez hasn’t started a Premier League match since early October. Maresca recently praised the balance Caicedo and Lavia bring to the midfield, though he hinted that Fernandez would remain a key part of the squad as the season progresses.

William Gallas Questions Fernandez’s Fit in England

Former Chelsea defender William Gallas recently voiced his concerns about whether Fernandez is truly cut out for the Premier League. In an interview with Prime Casino, Gallas acknowledged Fernandez’s skill but stressed that the English top-flight demands high physicality and endurance. “The Premier League isn’t for everyone,” Gallas noted. “Fernandez needs to work on his fitness and consistency, and adapt to a more demanding box-to-box role.” He added that Fernandez must either start scoring or providing assists to justify his position in such a competitive league.

Facing Challenges to Secure His Spot

Gallas suggested that Fernandez will need to make a significant impact in any playing time he gets, even if it’s coming off the bench, as he did recently against Manchester United. In that game, he missed a chance to secure a victory for Chelsea, highlighting the need for him to capitalize on these moments. Though he once held a vice-captain role, he’s now fighting to prove his worth.

Graeme Souness’s Take on Fernandez’s Potential

Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness echoed Gallas’s concerns, suggesting on the Three Up Front podcast that Fernandez might not meet the high expectations Chelsea had set for him. Souness emphasized the likelihood of “wastage” in Chelsea’s current squad, arguing that several players, Fernandez included, may never reach the levels initially anticipated.

The Road Ahead for Fernandez at Chelsea

Despite his recent struggles, Fernandez still has a long-term contract at Chelsea, running until 2032 with a weekly wage of £180,000. Clubs like Barcelona and Inter Milan have shown interest, but Fernandez appears determined to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge.