Enzo Fernández, who became Chelsea’s record signing for $131 million less than two years ago, has found himself spending more time on the bench in recent Premier League matches. After joining Chelsea following a World Cup victory with Argentina, where he was named the tournament’s Young Player of the Year, Fernández initially impressed the soccer world. However, his performances at Chelsea have failed to live up to expectations, with four different managers struggling to get the best out of him.
Under current manager Enzo Maresca, Fernández has been sidelined in favor of a midfield pairing of Moisés Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who offer more physicality and strength. Maresca has expressed full confidence in Fernández but opted for a different tactical balance in recent games. Despite being publicly supported, Fernández’s inconsistency on the pitch, particularly in defense and as a playmaker, has limited his impact. His preferred role as a deep-lying playmaker has been hindered by Maresca’s system, which involves an inverted fullback moving into midfield, pushing Fernández higher up the field.
While not a liability, Fernández has struggled to replicate the form that made him a standout for both Argentina and Benfica. His contributions in facilitating play, particularly for Chelsea’s top performer Cole Palmer, have been significant, but his lack of direct involvement in goals—having yet to record an assist in the Premier League this season—remains a concern. Notably, Palmer’s performance has also been less effective in matches where Fernández has not started.