“He has been incredible for us. His understanding of the game, the way he leads from midfield — it’s exactly what we need. He’s grown not just technically, but mentally. You can see he wants to take responsibility now.” Enzo Maresca speaks on ace player contributions in the squad.

The Quiet Mastermind: Chelsea’s Unseen Maestro

In a season of headlines, hype, and showpiece performances, there has been one individual at Chelsea who has operated beneath the radar, rising to become a leader, a conductor, and the club’s most crucial midfield unit — Enzo Fernández. Guided by Enzo Maresca, the Argentine has become the Blues’ heartbeat, controlling from deep with an unrivaled calm that belies his years. While others have had the spotlight, Fernández is the one who has been pulling strings behind the scenes.

Since his transition in January 2023 at then-record transfer cost for Britain, Fernández has slowly made his way into Premier League demands. Into the season 2024–25, however, numbers tell a tale of maturity and influence: 6 goals and 11 assists across overall appearances in 40 games — an impressive change of pace compared to last season’s 3 goals and 2 assists through 28 league games.

But the statistics tell only half the tale. His impact in midfield has been nothing short of revolutionary. Whether creating lines with incisive passes or safeguarding the backline with well-timed interceptions, Fernández has emerged as a complete midfielder.

It’s not difficult to make Cole Palmer’s lightning debut the subject of attention — and for good reason, with his 27-goal, 15-assist season in the previous campaign. But this season, Palmer’s sparkle has faded. A 16-match goalless streak has prompted questions of form and fitness, one that even Maresca has linked to mental exhaustion.

Christopher Nkunku, too, came with promise but has not yet been fit. While he has scored 14 in 42 games, his appearances have not been regular, and his contribution in close matches has also decreased.

Against this backdrop, Fernández’s understated solidity has been the standout. His contribution may not always make it into the highlights, but it makes the difference — controlling the tempo, linking defense to attack, and making Chelsea barely ever lose shape through the middle.

In recent matches, Fernández’s importance has been even more evident. In Chelsea’s close 1-0 win against Everton, he was pivotal. Although glory fell to the goalscorer, Fernández’s midfield control was the platform for victory. His intelligent positioning, cutting decisions, and composed passing ensured Chelsea maintained possession for huge portions of the match.

This was not an isolated event. Game after game, Fernández has been a ubiquitous presence — and especially so when the games have been close.

Maresca’s legacy cannot be denied. The Italian boss’s system demands brain power, organization, and technical skill from his midfielders — and Fernández has responded in style. Every week, he has grown further into the midfield general, developing those around him and demanding more of himself.

In a Chelsea team brimming with style and promise, it’s often the ones screaming loudest who make themselves heard. But it is the quiet brilliance of Enzo Fernández — Chelsea’s unobtrusive midfield mastermind — who has more than deservedly been the club’s fulcrum this term.

As the Blues launch their bid for European ticket qualification, there may yet be further stories