Note: This analysis is based on a hypothetical scenario for the 2025/26 season and uses fictional names and events for illustrative purposes. It does not reflect actual results or confirmed outcomes.
When Chelsea’s interim manager Calum Macfarland took the reins in April 2026, the first tactical question he faced was not about wing play or pressing triggers—it was about Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine midfielder, signed for a club-record fee in January 2023, had spent two and a half seasons oscillating between deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box runner, and even a brief stint as a makeshift number ten under Enzo Maresca and his successor. By the time Macfarland arrived, the question had become existential: was Enzo a luxury player in a squad built for athleticism, or the key to unlocking Chelsea’s chaotic potential?
The answer, as the closing weeks of the 2025/26 season revealed, was more nuanced than either camp admitted. This case study examines Enzo’s positioning, his statistical output, and his broader impact on a Chelsea side that, despite a turbulent Premier League campaign, had already secured silverware.
The Tactical Context: A Season of Shifts
Chelsea’s 2025/26 season was defined by managerial instability. Maresca’s possession-heavy approach gave way to a more transitional style under his replacement, before Macfarland’s interim tenure introduced a pragmatic 4-2-3-1 that sought to balance defensive solidity with the explosive talent of Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, and Joao Pedro.
| Phase | Manager | Primary Formation | Enzo’s Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug–Nov 2025 | Maresca | 4-3-3 | Left-sided deep playmaker |
| Dec 2025–Mar 2026 | Rosenior | 4-2-3-1 / 3-4-3 | Box-to-box, drifting left |
| Apr–May 2026 | Macfarland | 4-2-3-1 | Central double-pivot with Caicedo |
The numbers tell a clear story: as the season progressed, Enzo’s touches decreased, but his efficiency and goal contribution rose. Under Macfarland, he averaged fewer passes but more progressive carries and shots—a trade-off that reflected the team’s shift from control to directness.
Positioning: The Double-Pivot Experiment
The most significant tactical adjustment under Macfarland was the pairing of Enzo with Moises Caicedo in a flat double-pivot. This was not a novel idea—Maresca had attempted it early in the season—but the execution differed. Macfarland instructed Caicedo to hold position as the defensive anchor, while Enzo was given license to roam between the lines, particularly into the left half-space.
This positioning had two effects:
- Offensive freedom: Enzo’s goal contributions in the 2025/26 season came predominantly from late runs into the box. Several were assisted by Palmer or Joao Pedro, who exploited the space Enzo created by dragging defenders out of position.
- Defensive exposure: The trade-off was evident in Chelsea’s defensive metrics. When Enzo pushed forward, the midfield was often left exposed to counter-attacks, particularly against top-six sides. This was a contributing factor to Chelsea’s inconsistent league form—though it also enabled their cup success, where the risk-reward calculus favored attacking intent.
The Palmer-Enzo Connection
No discussion of Enzo’s 2025/26 season is complete without examining his partnership with Cole Palmer. The two developed a telepathic understanding in the final third, often exchanging quick one-twos that bypassed opposition midfield lines. Palmer’s movement from the right flank into central areas created space for Enzo to arrive late, unmarked.
This was most evident in Chelsea’s cup run, where Enzo contributed key goals and assists. Macfarland’s post-match comments—though not directly quoted here—emphasized the “chemistry” between the two, a product of months of training ground work.
Yet the partnership was not without its flaws. When Palmer dropped deep to receive the ball, Enzo often pushed forward, leaving Caicedo isolated. This imbalance was exploited by teams that pressed aggressively, particularly in a defeat to Liverpool in March 2026—a match that exposed the defensive fragility of the double-pivot.
The Defensive Trade-Off
Chelsea’s defensive issues in the 2025/26 season were well-documented. The team conceded goals at a rate that masked their cup success. Enzo’s positioning was a factor, but it was not the sole cause.
| Defensive Metric | Chelsea 2025/26 | Premier League Average |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Conceded | Above average | Baseline |
| Shots on Target Against | Above average | Baseline |
| Pressures per 90 (Midfield) | Below average | Baseline |
| Tackles in Final Third | Below average | Baseline |
The numbers suggest that Chelsea’s midfield—Enzo and Caicedo—were not pressing as aggressively as the league average. This was a tactical choice: Macfarland prioritized defensive shape over high pressing, particularly after taking over. Enzo’s role was to screen the backline rather than chase the ball, a shift that reduced his defensive output but improved his positional discipline.
The Verdict: Luxury or Essential?
By the end of the 2025/26 season, the debate over Enzo Fernandez had evolved. He was no longer the untouchable star signed for a record fee, nor was he the scapegoat for Chelsea’s defensive woes. Instead, he had become a specialized asset—a player whose value depended on the tactical system around him.
Under Macfarland, Enzo’s role was clearly defined: progress the ball, arrive late in the box, and trust Caicedo to cover. This approach yielded a respectable return for a midfielder in a transitional season. But it also highlighted Chelsea’s broader problem: a squad built for control was being asked to play on the break.
For Enzo to reach his full potential, Chelsea must decide on a long-term tactical identity. If they choose to dominate possession, he is the ideal deep-lying playmaker. If they prefer direct transitions, his goal-scoring instincts make him a valuable box-to-box option. The 2025/26 season proved that he can excel in both roles—but only when the system is designed around him.
Conclusion: The Enzo Question
Enzo Fernandez’s 2025/26 campaign was a microcosm of Chelsea’s season: flashes of brilliance undermined by structural inconsistency. His goal contributions and progressive passing were vital to the team’s cup success, but his defensive limitations contributed to their league struggles.
As Chelsea enters the summer transfer window with a squad already valued highly, the question is not whether Enzo is good enough—it is whether the club can build a coherent system around him. The talent is undeniable. The challenge is turning that talent into sustained success.
For further reading on Chelsea’s tactical evolution, see our analysis of Chelsea defensive issues analysis and Chelsea set piece analysis.