Steve Nicol criticises Chelsea player who isn’t mobile enough on the football pitch

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Chelsea’s first-team player has come under-fire for his lack of athleticism and mobility on the football pitch.

The Chelsea squad this season is largely young, athletic and energetic. So far, Enzo Maresca’s side have competed well against most teams and sit third in the Premier League table.

Darren Bent admires how Maresca is using Chelsea’s squad, with the head coach heavily rotating between the league and cup competitions.

On top of the current squad, the Blues also have several talented youngster impressing out on loan right now.

• READ MORE: Chelsea loan watch: How every Blues loanee is performing in 2024/25 season

Steve Nicol doesn’t think Enzo Fernandez is mobile enough

According to ESPN pundit Steve Nicol, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez isn’t athletic enough to compete at the highest level of the Premier League.

“The problem with Enzo is he doesn’t get around the field very well, certainly not what you should around the top end of the Premier League,” Nicol told ESPN.

Fernandez, 23, has lost his starting position in Chelsea’s midfield recently. Instead, Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo are excelling together as a double pivot in the centre of the park.

Jody Morris thinks Lavia carries the ball much better than Fernandez. While the latter may be a superb technician with the ball at his feet, it’s obvious he doesn’t possess the same kind of physical traits as Caicedo and Lavia.

Graeme Souness claims Fernandez’s Chelsea signing has been a waste because of the gigantic £107m transfer fee.

Unfortunately, the Argentina international finds himself out of Enzo Maresca’s best line-up and in a tough spot.

Enzo Fernandez in form despite setback

It’s a colossal blow for Fernandez that he’s not starting games right now in the Premier League. However, the South American star deserves big credit for not sulking and still making an impact whenever he plays.

In the last few games for club and country, Fernandez has shown his obvious ability.

Even with Fernandez’s run of form, it’s hard to see Chelsea boss Maresca moving away from the Lavia-Caicedo partnership in the near future. Pat Nevin thinks it’ll be tough for Fernandez to regain his Chelsea position.