What Xabi Alonso will be thinking after Enzo Fernandez’s performance vs Manchester United
Xabi Alonso did not get his wish in the end, but he wanted Enzo Fernandez to stay at Chelsea.
On more than one occasion, Alonso made it clear to the media that the midfielder was in his plans. Unfortunately for him, from Chelsea’s perspective, Fernandez’s position in the squad became untenable.
Fernandez has now got his move to Manchester City and helped his new side defeat Manchester United 1-0 in Sunday’s derby.
If Alonso was watching, it would have reminded the 44-year-old of why he was so desperate to keep hold of his former player.
Xabi Alonso will be wishing he still had Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea
Fernandez did a lot of good stuff for City in both attack and defence. For example, according to Sofascore, the Argentine created one big chance and made one key pass.
Fernandez also took two shots, with one of them hitting the woodwork. What Enzo Maresca would have really appreciated, though, was what he did without the ball.
In total, Fernandez made six defensive contributions, including three interceptions. On the day, the former Chelsea star read the game quite well.
He also won two out of three aerial duels and competed in 14 ground duels, winning six of them. Ultimately, Fernandez really battled, which is what you want to see in a derby game.
Looking at the dire state of Chelsea’s midfield right now, Alonso would have been wishing he still had all of that while watching the match.
Because of Moises Caicedo’s injury and the club’s failure to sign a replacement for Fernandez, Alonso has been using Reece James, Malo Gusto and Romeo Lavia in the engine room. Lavia is the only natural midfielder out of the trio.
It is hardly a shock that some Chelsea fans are now crying that the team miss Fernandez.
Hopefully Caicedo and Jordan Henderson returning will soften the blow. Chelsea players have taken to Henderson following his arrival from Brentford, but he is also out injured and has not played a minute of football for his new side yet.
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