Enzo Fernandez given brutal Chelsea verdict as biggest weakness identified

Former Chelsea star William Gallas says that Enzo Fernandez cannot play alongside Moises Caicedo in the Blues' midfield, and that his lack of defensive ability means he does not get in the starting XI.

The Argentine international started the season in midfield along with his Ecuadorian teammate, but since Romeo Lavia's return from injury Fernandez has been relegated to the bench.

However, he has still impressed in places, including setting up the Blues' equaliser against Arsenal as he found Pedro Neto in space to run forward and slam a shot past David Raya in the last game before the international break.

Former Chelsea and Arsenal defender Gallas says that Fernandez is no longer in the Blues' best XI, and that he has lost his place to Lavia because he will not defend - meaning the team lacks balance and forces Caicedo into an impossible role alongside such a naturally attacking unit.

"The best Chelsea XI is; Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia; Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Nicolas Jackson," Gallas told Genting Casino.

"Enzo Fernandez is on the bench. The problem with him is that you need to change your whole system to accommodate him. You can't put Fernandez next to Caicedo because he won't defend.

"Fernandez's game is 65% attack and 35% attack, Neto, Palmer, Madueke and Jackson won't defend so Caicedo would have to defend by himself. That's why Lavia plays ahead of him."

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