Moises Caicedo will get most of the plaudits for his performance against Liverpool, but Micah Richards wants to give another Chelsea star his flowers.
Saturday’s performance was exactly what Chelsea fans wanted to see from their team.
The Blues were fearless, taking the game to the champions and coming away with a huge three points. Moises Caicedo and Estevao Willian were the heroes of the day, scoring the two goals that earned Chelsea the win.
They were excellent, but they aren’t the only ones who put in a quality shift.
Micah Richards makes sure Enzo Fernandez gets credit after Liverpool win
Enzo Fernandez’s importance to this Chelsea side has only grown in recent weeks, with Cole Palmer’s extended absence leaving a void in the front four.
The Argentinian has stepped into the 10 role and done admirably there.
Caicedo has gotten his fair share of praise for Saturday’s display, but Micah Richards wants to give Fernandez his due as well.
The latest edition of The Rest Is Football provided that opportunity, with Richards saying: “But it’s not just Caicedo. I’ve been impressed with Enzo Fernandez. The way he’s making runs into the box, he always seems to be there. World Cup winner, Enzo.”
Richards has been impressed with the versatility shown by the Chelsea midfielder, showing he can fill whatever role Enzo Maresca requires.
He continues: “But I mean, he’s got such confidence because there was a little bit debate. People didn’t know quite what he was. Is he a holder? Is he a number eight? Is he a number 10?
“But he’s he’s got a little bit of everything with real quality. And he’s a leader as well.”
Enzo Fernandez is becoming underrated
Chelsea’s acquisition of Fernandez broke the British transfer record at the time, and the expectations were obviously quite high.
But the World Cup-winner has been overshadowed at times by the likes of Caicedo and Palmer. Even the new Brazilian signings Joao Pedro and Estevao have often been favoured in Chelsea discourse.
But Fernandez can do it all. He’s a complete midfielder who gives Maresca the kind of flexibility managers dream of.
He managed 26 goal involvements for the Blues last season, and he has started this campaign in a similar vein of form. He already has three goals and an assist in the Premier League, and looks poised to continue contributing.
It’s easy to take Fernandez for granted. He has a mistake in him and does sometimes drop his level, but his importance to the side cannot be overstated.
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