Stan Collymore thinks Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been getting it wrong with Enzo Fernandez this season.
Mauricio Pochettino has used Enzo Fernandez as a No.10 in some of Chelsea’s games and Collymore has told CaughtOffside that he cannot understand why.
After arriving at the Blues in the summer, Christopher Nkunku would have been expected to play in some sort of role just behind the striker.
However, following the injury he picked up at the end of the club’s pre-season, Pochettino has had to adapt.
Carney Chukwuemeka started to fulfil the role, only for the 19-year-old to succumb to injury as well.
Enzo Fernandez not a No.10
While Chelsea have been without Nkunku and Chukwuemeka, Collymore still thinks it does not make sense to start Fernandez in a more advanced position.
On Pochettino’s decision to do so, the former Liverpool player said: “I rate Pochettino a lot. He’s a top manager but I think he’s getting it wrong with Fernandez. I don’t understand the obsession of playing him as a number 10. He isn’t a number 10.
“Fernandez is at his best when he’s playing a deeper role and allowed the freedom to travel between boxes.”
Enzo Fernandez belongs in midfield
We also think Fernandez is at his best when he is in the middle of the park, where he can see more of the pitch.
The 22-year-old is a good passer with great vision. According to WhoScored, he is currently playing 4.6 long balls per league game, which is the highest average among Chelsea’s outfield players.
The above cannot be fully utilised if Fernandez is high up the pitch. The Argentine is also not the most threatening footballer in the final third. He is yet to score a goal in the Premier League.
All in all, Fernandez’s best position is in midfield, but Pochettino has had to change somethings around in this early part of the season because of injuries.
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