Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his confidence that Enzo Fernandez will reach an even higher level of performance in the upcoming season. The Argentinian midfielder, who joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a then British record fee, has shown significant progress, particularly in the latter half of the 2024-25 season.

Maresca has praised Fernandez's overall contribution to the team, highlighting his work ethic and understanding of the tactical approach. "He's worked very well in all aspects inside the pitch, outside the pitch," Maresca said. He also noted the initial "struggle at the beginning" as Fernandez adapted to the team's playing style, but emphasized that he is now performing "fantastic in terms of numbers, goal assists".

Fernandez himself has acknowledged the influence of Maresca on his game. He pointed to the manager's instructions to get into more goal-scoring positions as a key factor in his improved attacking output. Fernandez scored Chelsea's opening goal against Liverpool and has a career-best contribution in the attacking third under Maresca.

In the 2024-25 season, Fernandez scored eight goals. He has expressed a desire to further improve his goal and assist numbers in the future. "Next season, though, I want to score more goals and give more assists," Fernandez said. He also emphasized his commitment to working hard and improving to help the team.

Maresca prefers a balanced approach to goal-scoring, where multiple attacking players contribute rather than relying on a single striker. He said, "I've said many times that I prefer to have the attacking players score 10-12 goal each, rather than just a striker with 40 goals". He believes that Fernandez's contribution has been "top" this season and expects even better things in the future.

Fernandez's importance to Chelsea is further underscored by his role as one of the team's captains and leaders. Maresca has acknowledged Fernandez's leadership qualities, stating that he "behaved as a leader". Fernandez has often captained the side, demonstrating the trust placed in him by the coach, teammates, and supporters.

Despite speculation linking Fernandez with a move to other clubs, including Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, Maresca has insisted that the midfielder is an integral part of Chelsea's plans. "Enzo is very important for us," Maresca said. "He is one of our captains, he is one of the leaders. This season has been very good and he can be even better next season, starting from the first day".

Chelsea has never considered a summer exit for Fernandez, and he remains focused on achieving success with the club. He is also fully focused on reaching Champions League football with Chelsea.

With Chelsea preparing for the Club World Cup, where they are set to face Fernandez's former club Benfica, the midfielder is eager to showcase his continued development. He is reuniting with Benfica at the Club World Cup as Chelsea's star man. Fernandez is finally showing why the Blues splashed out on him. He assisted two goals in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Esperance of Tunisia which sent his team through to the last 16 and a date with the Portuguese giants. He wants to keep the same mindset and attitude: work hard, give his very best, be brave, and do everything he can to help the team.

The arrival of new midfielders may increase competition within the squad, but Fernandez is determined to maintain his high level of performance and contribute to Chelsea's success.