“If Mauricio Pochettino can start him it will be a great advantage” – Paul Merson says 23-year-old Chelsea man can be key to win Liverpool on Sunday
Amidst the anticipation of the Carabao Cup final clash between Chelsea and Liverpool, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has identified a potential game-changer for the Blues – Enzo Fernandez. As Chelsea seeks to break the Wembley curse that has seen them lose their last five consecutive domestic cup finals, Merson believes that the 23-year-old midfielder could be the key to overcoming Liverpool’s formidable challenge.
In Merson’s strategic analysis, he draws parallels between Fernandez and Arsenal’s deep-lying playmaker Jorginho, emphasizing the need for Chelsea to navigate Liverpool’s press effectively. Reflecting on Arsenal’s recent success against Liverpool, Merson contends that if Fernandez can replicate Jorginho’s pivotal role in that game, Chelsea could gain a crucial advantage.
“Chelsea have to beat Liverpool’s press. Arsenal beat it umpteen times the Emirates the other week with Jorginho in the team,” Merson asserts. “They have Enzo Fernandez – if he can play the same as Jorginho did that day for Arsenal, then it swings the advantage to Chelsea.”
The spotlight on Fernandez intensifies as Merson underscores the potential significance of the midfield battle in determining the outcome of the final. He notes that if Liverpool’s Curtis Jones isn’t fit, Chelsea could tip the balance in their favor by winning the midfield duel.
Fernandez’s recent performances have caught the eye, particularly as he collaborates effectively with Moises Caicedo in Chelsea’s midfield pivot. Possessing Jorginho-esque qualities, Fernandez showcases a commendable passing range and vision while also contributing as a genuine goal-scoring option. With seven goals across all competitions this season, the Argentine midfielder has emerged as a multifaceted asset for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Pochettino himself has acknowledged Fernandez’s “amazing” quality and his growing understanding of what it means to play for Chelsea. As the pressure mounts in the build-up to the cup final, the young World Cup winner is poised to thrive on the grand stage, potentially playing a pivotal role in Chelsea’s quest for silverware. The narrative unfolds, and all eyes are on Enzo Fernandez as he prepares to leave an indelible mark on the Wembley showdown.
