Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has praised midfielder Enzo Fernandez for his performance and professionalism ahead of their Club World Cup knockout match against Benfica, his former club. Speaking to journalists in Charlotte, where the two teams are set to meet in the last 16, Maresca described Fernandez as both “polite” and “hardworking,” noting his steady improvement since joining the team.
Fernandez has played a key role in Chelsea’s recent success, helping them secure a fourth-place Premier League finish and win the UEFA Conference League. At the ongoing Club World Cup, the 24-year-old scored in their opening 2-0 win against Los Angeles FC and has since contributed two assists in a 3-0 victory over Tunisia’s Esperance.
Signed from Benfica in February 2023 for a then-record £107 million, Fernandez has so far tallied 14 goals and assists combined this year. Maresca acknowledged that the midfielder initially struggled to adapt to the team’s style but has since flourished, especially with his output in the final third.
“I prefer having several players who can score 10 to 12 goals each rather than relying on one striker,” Maresca explained, adding that Fernandez’s contributions will likely improve even more next season.
Chelsea have never lost to Benfica in their three previous competitive meetings, including a 2013 Europa League final win. However, Maresca warned against underestimating the Portuguese side, especially after they topped their group by beating Bayern Munich.
“They’ve shown their strength in Europe time and again. Every match at this stage is difficult and full of surprises,” he said.
A win on Saturday would see Chelsea advance to the quarter-finals, set to take place in Philadelphia on July 4.
