“He doesn’t get around the field very well” - Liverpool legend Steve Nicol identifies problem with Chelsea superstar

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has criticized Chelsea ace Enzo Fernandez for his lack of mobility and athleticism, which prevents him from performing at the highest level. The Argentine midfielder has had to be content with a place on the bench in recent games after a run of poor form for the side.

Chelsea broke the bank in January 2023 to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica. They bought him for a then-club record £107 million after his impressive displays in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The midfielder was voted the best young player of the tournament after forcing his way into the plans of Lionel Scaloni in Qatar.

Speaking on ESPN, Nicol revealed what he believes to be the problem with Fernandez at Chelsea, pointing out that his lack of physicality is a hindrance. The pundit was quick to point out that the 23-year-old is unable to impose himself on games in a way expected of top Premier League midfielders. He said:

“The problem with Enzo is he doesn’t get around the field very well, certainly not what you should around the top end of the Premier League."

Enzo Fernandez began November in fine form for the Blues, recording three assists in 45 minutes against FC Noah in the UEFA Europa Conference League. He followed this up with another assist in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal just before the international break.

Since making his big-money move to England, Fernandez has struggled to justify the hefty fee the Blues paid for him, this season more than ever. New head coach Enzo Maresca appears to prefer pairing club-record signing Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in midfield due to their physicality and balance.

The former Benfica man, meanwhile, hasn't started a league game since their 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest before the October international break. In that time, Caicedo and Lavia have cemented their status as the manager's preferred duo, while he has come off the bench.

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Chelsea star continues fine form in shock Argentina defeat

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez continued his rich vein of form as he featured for Argentina in their 2-1 defeat at Paraguay on November 14. The 23-year-old featured from the start for his country in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Asuncion.

Fernandez provided a glimpse of his passing range as he set up Lautaro Martinez with an exquisite lofted ball to open the scoring in the 11th minute. The assist for the Inter Milan man was Fernandez's fifth in just three games, four of which came in the blue of Chelsea.

His performance in recent games will have given Blues coach Enzo Maresca something to think about after he lost his place in the preferred XI. The midfielder will hope to return to the XI when the Blues face Leicester City away after the international break on November 23.