What Enzo Fernandez did more times than any other midfielder in the Premier League’s opening weekend

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Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez came in for a bit of criticism following his side’s 2-0 loss against Manchester City last Sunday.

Pat Nevin thought Enzo Fernandez was quiet, for example. However, a stat shows that the 23-year-old actually outperformed every player in his position in one area.

It is something he will be looking to build on if Enzo Maresca gives him the nod on Thursday.

Chelsea face Servette in the first leg of their Conference League play-off tie, a game where Maresca could look to make changes, with his side playing again on Sunday.

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Enzo Fernandez’s impressive stat in Chelsea vs Man City

Perhaps Fernandez did not put in his best performance against City, with Gary Neville questioning Maresca’s use of Fernandez in that game.

However, the Argentine was still able to do something more times than any other midfielder in the Premier League’s opening weekend.

According to WhoScored, Fernandez played five accurate long passes against Pep Guardiola’s men, which was more than what any other midfielder in the English top flight managed.

With that in mind, Chelsea can probably get more out of Fernandez when he is playing deeper and can see more of the pitch.

More pressure on Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea

Fernandez was already under huge pressure at Chelsea because of his price tag, with the Argentina international being the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history.

However, that pressure has probably increased, as Fernandez now appears to be the vice-captain.

It is more responsibility and potentially means even more scrutiny for the former Benfica man if things are not going well for Chelsea on the pitch.

Maresca has confirmed that Reece James is still injured, so Fernandez will have the captain’s armband for a bit longer.

Ben Chilwell was named as vice-captain last season, but with the left-back not part of the new Chelsea manager‘s plans, do not expect to see the England international leading out the Blues again.