Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to play Enzo Fernandez as an attacking midfielder is costing Chelsea.
That is the view of former Aston Villa and Liverpool attacker Stan Collymore, who believes Fernandez is not the right type of player to operate as a number 10.
Signed from Benfica for an eye-watering £107 million (Sky Sports) in January, Fernandez, 22, off the back of a World Cup win with Argentina, was expected to be an integral part of the Blues’ rebuild.
However, despite clearly being a very gifted player, the South American has yet to really showcase his talent and replicate his international form.
What has Stan Collymore said about Enzo Fernandez?
And Collymore believes a lot of that is down to his domestic manager’s insistence on playing him as an attack-minded creative midfielder, rather than the box-to-box-style of player he is.
“It’s likely Mauricio Pochettino will ask Enzo Fernandez to play in behind the forward again against Fulham,” Collymore said in an exclusive interview.
“I rate Pochettino a lot. He’s a top manager but I think he’s getting it wrong with Fernandez. I don’t understand the obsession of playing him as a number 10. He isn’t a number 10.
“Fernandez is at his best when he’s playing a deeper role and allowed the freedom to travel between boxes. At the moment, he’s being penned into a very small area of the pitch and it’s restricting his best attributes.”
Do you agree with Collymore? – What is Fernandez’s best role? – Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
I agree completely with Collymore
I agree with collymore.Enzo should be dropped to his deeper role,he likes to room and to play long balls.
Yes he is right Enzo is good as a box to box than 10
man! He has a point….
Sure. Enzo should partner Caicedo and exchange roles with Gallagher.
Completely agree with Stan
absolutely agree with collymore. to me the #10 is cole palmer.
Absolutely true.Enzo is not 10 player
his best position is on the bench
Palmer is ready to step up the show . I think Enzo should be the box to box player . I see lots of potentials in the young palmer
the same
the same even me i agree with colemore
This is what I have been pondering in my heart for a while now, how on earth will Mauricio play Enzo behind striker, he will only restrict him from doing vwhat he knows how to do best. Enzo is a natural
box to box midfielder.