‘Problem’… Mauricio Pochettino now told he’s not getting the best from 22-year-old Chelsea player this season

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Mauricio Pochettino is finding it difficult to get the best from Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez this season.

That is according to ESPN pundit Julien Laurens.

There’s a feel-good factor around Stamford Bridge right now as Mauricio Pochettino’s reign as manager begins to take shape, with several individuals now thriving in the starting XI.

The Blues head coach is finding a pretty settled starting line-up that consists of the same core group, this does include Enzo Fernandez.

However, there’s been a suggestion that the 22-year-old midfielder isn’t anywhere near his best right now.

Mauricio Pochettino puzzle

Julien Laurens suggests there’s a problem within Pochettino’s system that is impacting Fernandez in a negative way.

The Argentine World Cup winner is currently starting alongside Moises Caicedo as a double pivot, with Conor Gallagher operating just in front in the No 10 position.

Laurens told ESPN: “The problem is that structure in midfield, Caicedo and Enzo are there, and Gallagher is a bit everywhere. Maybe could that be preventing Enzo from really giving his best. There are a lot of spaces where Enzo would go, but Gallagher is already there because Gallagher has that freedom that he doesn’t have.”

Class is permanent with Enzo Fernandez

We concede Fernandez has not been at his best in the last two consecutive Premier League games. In fact, he was substituted off early into the second-half against both Tottenham and Manchester City.

Let’s not forget that the central midfielder has been one of Chelsea’s best players in 2023.

There may be an argument about how to get the very best from the all-action midfielder, something that Pochettino has got to work out.

However, there’s a very good reason that the Blues splashed out £106.8million (Sky Sports) on him.

Speaking via Sky Sports programme Premier League: The Big Interview this month, Caicedo said that Fernandez is already one of the world’s very best midfielders.

We’re pretty confident he’ll be back to his best and pulling strings in the midfield post-international break.

Overall, we’ve liked the balance in the centre of the park for Chelsea this season.