Over the past year, an influx of talented players has arrived at Cobham as part of the Chelsea hierarchy's vast squad restructuring plan. The reinforcements include much-needed attackers like Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Mykhaliko Mudryk, and Noni Madueke.
However, among the host of signings lies a midfielder who could become an essential component of Chelsea's attack.
And that is the Blues' record £107 million transfer, Enzo Fernandez.
This article will explore the impending transformation of the Blues' most valuable asset.
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Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea at a point when the defensive midfield unit was thin - Jorginho had just left to rivals Arsenal, N'golo Kante was working towards full fitness, and Mateo Kovacic was unsuitable for a single pivot role.
Fernandez was chosen as default to play as the sole defensive midfielder due to his wide range of passing, composure on the ball, and ability to aid the team in transitioning the play from defense to attack - attributes that were on display during Argentina's memorable run to World Cup glory where Fernandez played as a pivot.
Although the twenty-two-year-old delivered consistent performances in this position, the coaching staff would have acknowledged that it did not utilize all of his talents.
At Benfica, Fernandez was deployed higher up the pitch as a goal threat. He excelled in executing defense-splitting passes and the occasional long shot.
The chart below compares his expected goal contributions per 90 minutes at Benfica and Chelsea, which shows that Fernandez was less of a goal threat at Stamford Bridge due to the change in midfield role.
Realizing this, Chelsea instantly began their search for a midfielder as soon as the previous forgettable season concluded.
Their primary aim is to find a player who can perform the defensive chores to allow Fernandez to push higher up in the field.
But how will Chelsea's new No.8 contribute to the team's goals and assists?
The 4-2-3-1 formation adopted by Mauricio Pochettino during the pre-season tour in the USA indicates his inclination to use a double pivot.
However, the two holding midfielders will have differing roles as one will push higher up the half channels when the team is in possession while the other will sit deep to screen the center backs.
The Argentine metronome will likely be delegated the more offensive role, with Moises Caicedo (if the deal goes through) taking on the defensive responsibilities.
This shift will allow Fernandez to take up positions similar to his time at Benfica when he played in a double pivot with similar tactical principles.
When comparing his pass map at the two clubs, we can observe the higher number of piercing passes from the right and left half spaces that Fernandez attempts into the penalty box at Benfica, reflecting his more attacking role.
(Sources: laligaanalysis.com and eplanalysis.com)
During his half-season at Liga Portugal, Fernandez ranked as one of the highest chance creators per 90'.
And so, bringing Fernandez into the final third more often will unlock his creativity that Chelsea fans have only witnessed glimpses of.
(A shot-creating action, according to FBref, is the two offensive actions that directly lead to a shot, such as passes and take-ons, whereas a goal-creating action is the two offensive actions that directly lead to a goal)
Fernandez demonstrated his ability in the final third for Chelsea despite playing under 1600 minutes by creating two goals from the left and right half-spaces in the previous Premier League season.
The screen grabs below are his assists for Joao Felix and Kai Havertz against West Ham United and Leicester City.
Fernandez will continue to be essential for ball progression through line-breaking passes, switches, and long balls. But expect him to step up in contributions in the final third in the coming campaign.
Getting the best out of the World Cup winner will immensely contribute to the team's attacking performance which has been dire for the past few years.
Mauricio Pochettino will have spent time deliberating with his staff on the ideal set-up to squeeze the best out of the pillars of the squad. And that includes Fernandez.
The £107 million signing has to yield returns to justify the colossal investment fee. And it seems that this will be the season he authenticates his worth.
(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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