Andy Townsend thinks Chelsea star is ‘playing a lot better’ and has found some confidence

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There’s a lot to be positive about when you look at Chelsea from the outside.

Chelsea have surprised plenty of people by making a great start to life under Enzo Maresca. The Blues manager has 13 wins, four draws and four losses from 21 games across all competitions this season.

Maresca’s side make the trip down to St Mary’s on Wednesday evening to face Southampton in their next league match. The Chelsea boss is in the very fortunate position where several players are in great individual form, plus they’re gelling well as a collective.

• READ MORE: Paul Merson gives his prediction ahead of Southampton vs Chelsea in the Premier League

Andy Townsend claims Enzo Fernandez is more confident

TalkSPORT pundit Andy Townsend has praised Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez for his recent form.

The 23-year-old central midfielder has forced his way back into the Blues’ XI for the Premier League by scoring in back-to-back matches. Simon Jordan has praised Fernandez’s recent impact at Chelsea.

Townsend agrees that the Chelsea midfield star is playing loads better recently with some encouraging performances.

“If you think about Enzo Fernandez, who kind of found himself when [Romeo] Lavia and [Moises] Caicedo were playing in the middle of the park, found himself out of the picture a little bit,” Townsend told talkSPORT (6:54am, 2 December).

“Now all of a sudden, he goes and gets himself a goal in the Leicester game. Scores again yesterday [versus Aston Villa]. He’s looking a lot more confident, playing a lot better.”

Alan Shearer named Chelsea duo in his Premier League Team of the Week, including Fernandez for his display in the 3-0 hom4 win over Villa.

Meanwhile, Roy Keane applauded Fernandez’s second goal of the season, which was a superb low finish with the outside of his boot.

Chelsea blessed in midfield

There can’t be many clubs that boast better midfield depth than Chelsea right now.

The Blues have a stunning mix of central midfielders with Fernandez, Caicedo and Lavia at their disposal.

There’s a great blend of physicality and technique in Chelsea’s midfield options, so they’re well equipped going into most matches.