Before Chelsea had even kicked a ball this season Jamie Redknapp singled out one star that must improve.
Enzo Maresca was handed an extremely difficult first fixture as the new Chelsea boss with the Blues tasked with facing reigning champions Manchester City on the opening weekend.
He has no shortage of players to pick from at Stamford Bridge after the London club added nine new signings over the summer window.
Ironically, none of Chelsea’s new arrivals were named in the starting lineup against City with Maresca also handing the captain’s armband to Enzo Fernandez.
The 23-year-old joined the Blues in a £107million deal from Benfica in January 2023 but he is yet to live up to his huge transfer fee or his £180,000 per week wages.
Jamie Redknapp slams Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez has enjoyed plenty of success on the international stage with a World Cup and a Copa America medal in his trophy cabinet.
But that has not translated to success at Chelsea, where he has often looked poor and out of place.
Speaking ahead of the Manchester City clash on Sky Sports [August 18, 4:00pm], Jamie Redknapp said “He’s a World Cup winner but the Premier League has been hard for him.
“The intensity is too much for him. He showed us his capabilities in one game last season against Liverpool on the opening day where he was player of the match.”
Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea this season
The £100million-plus spent on both Fernandez and Moises Caicedo has not even come close to being justified.
At some point, Chelsea’s big-money signings will have to step up and take responsibility and that time is now for Fernandez.
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He showed glimpses of brilliance in a Chelsea shirt but he has been unable to perform consistently – although it has been difficult to do so in such a chaotic-run club.
In a more advanced role under Maresca this season, it’s now time for Fernandez to prove himself in the Premier League.
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