Enzo Maresca faces mounting pressure as Chelsea’s manager, with growing calls not to squander their £106m signing in the upcoming clash against Liverpool. Fans and critics alike are scrutinizing his decisions, fearing a crucial asset may be underutilized. The tension is high as Maresca’s next move could define Chelsea’s season trajectory.

Chelsea fans are urging manager Enzo Maresca to rethink the position of one of the club’s most costly acquisitions. As several players return to West London from international duty, Enzo Fernandez has become a central focus, especially after his standout performance for Argentina in their 6-0 win against Bolivia.

Although the 23-year-old didn’t score, he played a crucial role in Argentina’s victory, continuing their journey toward the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. Positioned as a deep-lying midfielder, Fernandez dictated the flow of the game, controlling the tempo and orchestrating play. He came close to earning an assist when his precise cross found Nicolas Otamendi, but VAR disallowed the goal. In the match, Fernandez completed seven long passes and won three out of six duels, showing his dominance on the field. His performance was so impressive that he outshone every other player from both teams.

Chelsea supporters, watching Fernandez excel in this deeper role, have begun calling for Maresca to make a similar tactical change. Fernandez joined the club shortly after Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, in a transfer worth £106.8 million, but his performances in the Premier League have often been viewed as below expectations. Fans believe that the key to unlocking his potential lies in utilizing him in a deeper position, rather than the more advanced midfield role he’s been playing under Maresca.

Many Chelsea fans took to social media to voice their opinions after watching Fernandez’s international performance. One fan, @anon9876519, begged Maresca to stop using Fernandez as an attacking midfielder, calling the tactic a “gimmick.” Another fan, @CFCDray, pointed out the significant difference in Fernandez’s influence when playing deeper, highlighting that he had far more touches in Argentina’s game than he typically does when playing higher up for Chelsea. Others echoed similar sentiments, with @CFC_Dante28 declaring, “Yes, playing deep… that’s where he needs to be for us as well!” Some fans even suggested that Maresca should be taking notes from the match, as @junior_razaa wrote, “Our coach should be up watching this game.”

With a crucial run of fixtures ahead, including a trip to Liverpool, matches against Newcastle and Manchester United, and both Europa Conference League and League Cup ties, Chelsea’s success could very well depend on getting the best out of Fernandez. His deep-lying midfield role for Argentina has left many fans convinced that Maresca must adapt his tactics if the team is to maximize Fernandez’s potential.

Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Liverpool. Fernandez has yet to win a domestic or European trophy since joining the club, with Chelsea’s most recent piece of silverware being the FIFA Club World Cup in February 2022. As the season progresses, finding Fernandez’s best role could be pivotal to the club’s chances of success this year.