In an effort to jumpstart the £107 million player’s Stamford Bridge career, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino intends to encourage Enzo Fernandez into more attacking positions. While the club as a whole has suffered greatly, Argentine World Cup champion Fernandez has made a great start in west London while completely displaying the skills that convinced Chelsea to pay such a price for him. The 22-year-old was mostly used by Graham Potter and Frank Lampard in a position commonly referred to as the No. 6 holding midfielder. But Pochettino now will unleash him in a more aggressive ‘No. 8’ position after the Luton clash.
Mauricio Pochettino deploys Enzo Fernandez in attacking areas
With a 3-0 victory over Luton Town on Friday night, Chelsea earned their first victory of the current Premier League campaign. Fans felt the ‘terrifying abilities’ of Enzo Fernandez. This season, Pochettino has already allowed the World Cup champion from Argentina, who moved from Benfica for £107 million, greater freedom and flexibility. The Argentine midfielder displayed elegance and class while in possession of the ball. He constantly attempted to advance the action and provide lovely passes for players like Sterling and Jackson. The 22-year-old produced two chances while completing 60 of his 64 passes, or 94%. He also made seven recoveries displaying his defensive prowess. Fernandez was unfortunate not to score himself as two of his four attempts hit the woodwork.
However Pochettino wants Enzo Fernandez to play agressively and contribute in the final-third of the pitch. With Caicedo deployed as a holding midfielder, the world cup champion is set to show his long range stunners and speeding bullets.
“He is a No. 8,” Pochettino said via Sky Sports. The Argentine adds :
“One of the first things when we met him is to talk about his position and how he feels comfortable, and then to talk about his quality.”
“He needs some freedoms. He has the quality to assist, to shoot from outside the box.”
His teammate Caicedo completed the game by accomplishing over 60 passes with a passing efficiency of 96.8%. While playing as a holding midfielder, Caicedo blocked a number of Luton attacks. Caicedo displayed his mastery in positioning by intercepting a number of passes. Hence, Enzo now has the full freedom to assist and score goals by his great attacking abilities.
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