Enzo Fernandez has significantly improved in one attacking statistic under Enzo Maresca, he’s outperformed his first 18 months at Chelsea

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The statistics prove that Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez has improved in one key attacking area since he started working under Enzo Maresca’s management.

Back in the January transfer window of 2023, Chelsea completed the huge signing of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.

The 24-year-old midfielder has provided glimpses of real quality at Stamford Bridge, proving why he won the World Cup with Argentina. Everyone may have expected more from a £100m-plus investment, though.

Fernandez was among the Chelsea positives against Aston Villa despite the 2-1 defeat at the weekend. The central midfielder, who played further forward in a No 10 position at Villa Park, scored the opening goal before his side’s capitulation in the second half.

• READ MORE: Real Madrid want to offer their ‘fantastic’ player to Chelsea in swap deal for Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez now scoring more Premier League goals at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca

Even though Fernandez has only been a Blues player for two and a half seasons, he’s already worked under a few different managers in West London. He’s been coached at Chelsea by Enzo Maresca, Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard (interim), Bruno Saltor (interim).

Interestingly, the South American star has now scored more goals in the Premier League under Maresca this season than in the previous 18 months combined.

It’s a clear indication that the central midfielder is providing a great offensive threat in Maresca’s system. He’s had four league assists so far this season, too.

Moises Caicedo likes playing alongside Fernandez as the combination in Chelsea’s midfield continues to grow, especially because Romeo Lavia is missing so many games through injury.

If Caicedo or Lavia are sitting deeper in midfield, the responsibility should fall on the shoulders of Fernandez to help out the attack.

What Enzo Maresca has said about Enzo Fernandez’s contribution

Fernandez has appeared in 24 of Chelsea’s 26 Premier League games so far this season, starting 20 times. Therefore, it’s pretty evident that he’s a key individual under Maresca.

It’s interesting that the Argentine’s contribution in attack has come up as a recent topic for discussion.

Speaking back in January, Maresca discussed Fernandez’s goal threat from midfield. The Blues head coach said: “We were sure he was going to score goals, give assists and create chances. I think being even more clinical, he could score three or four more goals with three or four more chances. But we have no doubt that we are going to be there soon with Enzo and help the team.”

If Fernandez can grow into a midfielder who contributes 10 goals a season, he can elevate his game to a new kind of level.

As shown above, he’s shooting more than most in the Chelsea squad. It’s going to help ease the burden on others if he starts chipping in with more and more goals.