Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is facing calls to drop Enzo Fernandez in a bid to restore balance in the Blues’ struggling midfield. Despite securing a narrow 2-1 victory over West Ham, Chelsea has lost the early-season momentum that once positioned them as potential challengers to league leaders Liverpool.
Now, with just two wins in their last eight Premier League outings, their title aspirations seem distant.
Injuries have plagued Chelsea’s campaign, with Romeo Lavia’s ongoing absence proving especially costly. The Belgian midfielder, sidelined since December, played just 56 minutes before suffering a recurrence of his muscle injury. His presence earlier in the season had effectively displaced Fernandez, offering a balanced partnership with Moises Caicedo.
Former Chelsea defender Paul Parker insists Lavia should replace Fernandez once fit. “Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo don’t complement each other,” Parker explained to CryptoCasinosUK.
“Dropping Fernandez for Lavia could provide a better midfield dynamic. Fernandez’s fiery temperament, often attributed to his Argentine roots, can be a liability, whereas Caicedo’s more composed approach allows him to handle the dirty work efficiently.”
Parker also addressed Chelsea’s issues upfront, emphasizing the need for a prolific striker to compete with Nicolas Jackson.
Although Jackson impressed early with six goals in his first nine matches, he has failed to score since mid-December. Parker suggests Chelsea should target a forward with a killer instinct, reminiscent of Didier Drogba, to propel them up the table.
While Jackson’s relentless effort has endeared him to fans, Parker believes Chelsea’s ambitions require a more ruthless presence in front of goal. “Jackson’s work rate is commendable, but Chelsea needs a striker who can finish consistently to transform their season. With the right addition, this squad could still compete at the highest level,” Parker concluded.