Our No.8 netted his seventh goal of the season on Sunday, when he showed great composure to collect Pedro Neto’s low cross and stroke a finish into the bottom corner, less than three minutes into our game against the new Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

That strike to set us on our way to a 3-1 victory over the Reds saw him reach the landmark of 20 goal contributions in 2024/25 – seven goals and 13 assists – already well ahead of his 11 contributions for Chelsea last term. His previous best at any club was the 17 he provided for River Plate in 2022, during his final campaign in Argentina before moving to Europe.

When considering what has made the difference, both to his impressive tallies this season and his early goal at the weekend, Fernandez pointed to the influence of Maresca, after our head coach repeatedly stated his desire for the midfielder to get into more goal-scoring opportunities since taking over last summer.

‘It’s the first time I’ve scored a goal that quickly in my whole career,’ said Fernandez.

‘The manager told me to get into that position, Pedro was there, it was a great ball and a good finish.

‘I’m so happy with my numbers. Being a box-to-box midfielder, it’s a really good number of goals and assists.

‘It was difficult in the beginning, getting to know Enzo and the way he wanted to play, but now I totally understand him and what he wants from me.’

Fernandez’s latest goal also contributed to what could prove to be a crucial victory, with the fight for UEFA Champions League qualification looking set to go right to the wire, as we approach the end of the Premier League season.

Sunday’s win kept us in fifth place – the final qualification spot – and took us within one point of Manchester City in third and level with Newcastle in fourth, but just as importantly opened up a narrow safety margin to Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa below, which is now two and three points respectively.

‘It was such an important win,’ continued the 24-year-old. ‘I thought we were better than Liverpool for the full 90 minutes so we deserved the win and we’re so happy for the victory.

‘There are three games to go, Champions League football next season isn’t secured yet, but this win has given us so much confidence that we can achieve our objective, which is getting Champions League football next season.’

After the small matter of a UEFA Conference League semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening, that push for a Champions League spot continues this Sunday with another huge Premier League fixture, away at fourth-placed Newcastle.