Troy Deeney shares theory on why Enzo Fernandez’s Chelsea form has dipped

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Enzo Fernandez continues to be such a key player at Chelsea, starting seven out of seven across all competitions this season. However, there are signs that his form has started to dip recently, and former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has a theory on why.

Like Chelsea so far this campaign, the form of Enzo Fernandez in central midfield has been a bit up and down.

The 24-year-old Argentine star scored in each of the Premier League wins against West Ham and Fulham in August. It may be fair to point out that he’s struggling to replicate last season’s all-round form, though.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink recently argued Fernandez isn’t up to full speed yet after playing a lot of football for club and country in the past year.

• READ MORE: Marc Cucurella hails Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez for one gift, it’s an underrated part of his game

Troy Deeney explains Enzo Fernandez needs more freedom in Chelsea system

The best version of Fernandez at Chelsea so far has been in a box-to-box midfield role, where he can make huge contributions in the final third.

According to Troy Deeney, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca has put the shackles on the midfielder across recent games, which has impacted his form.

When discussing Chelsea star Fernandez on The Football Exchange, Deeney said: “I think what they have done over the last two weeks is kind of say to him, ‘Stay there,’ and hold him in. When they try to keep him rigid, I think you have to let Enzo play. Let him run around. Let him find the gaps. He’s not quick, but he’s smart enough to know there’s space on the right; I’ll go play on the right. You have to let him float a little bit.

“It just feels like the last couple of games have been very rigid and instruction-based from the manager. He’s the captain, so that would suggest to me he listens and takes instruction really well. I like him making those runs into the box.”

The underlying numbers suggest that Fernandez’s form has dropped off as the season has progressed.

Even though Chelsea supporters have called for Fernandez to be dropped, it is quite obvious that he’s a favourite under Maresca.

Deeney’s theory is that Fernandez needs more freedom on the pitch to play his best stuff. Well, the perfect opportunity may have opened up for him in the squad to do just that.

Enzo Fernandez could be solution to Cole Palmer problem

Reports state that Chelsea playmaker Palmer could miss 3-6 weeks with his groin injury, which would leave a major hole in the number 10 position. With Joao Pedro currently leading the line as the central striker, the Blues find themselves needing to find a different option.

On paper, Fernandez could be the individual to push higher up the pitch and play as an attacking midfielder, something he’s done effectively in the past. It would certainly give him the licence to find pockets of space and be creative.

Facundo Buonanotte is another alternative to fill the Palmer void, but he’s unavailable for Saturday’s league fixture at home to parent club Brighton.