Fernandez has started every match across all competitions for the Blues this season, with just Trevoh Chalobah playing more than the Argentine's 590 minutes on the pitch. And last term, only Marc Cucurella surpassed Fernandez's 53 Chelsea appearances.

The 24-year-old remains a vital figure in Maresca’s squad, with his ability to excel in several midfield roles providing the Chelsea head coach with flexibility to adapt to our opponents.

‘Enzo can play in different positions for us, he can play as a six or as an attacking midfielder,’ explained our head coach, ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion.

‘We have used him in 90 per cent of our games as an attacking midfielder, and I think he is very good in this position.

‘But it depends a little bit on what we think of the game plan. Enzo, for us, is an important player and we try to use him as much as we can.

‘The reason why he can have good or bad moments is because of the number of games. For any player, it’s impossible to think that you can play 45 games – or the 64 games we played last season – all at the same level.

‘It’s normal that you drop in some games, but we are very happy with Enzo.’

Although Maresca remains keen to make full use of Fernandez, he also acknowledged the importance of rotating his squad, be that in midfield and across the rest of the pitch.

The forthcoming week will be the Blues' third which includes a match-day after our UEFA Champions League and Carabao Cup campaigns got underway. That is in addition to the Premier League duties, which continue with Brighton’s visit to Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

‘We try always to rotate players, that has to be the main target this season because of the amount of games and the injuries [we currently have],’ added Maresca.

‘At the same time, you are not always able to rotate because in a position, for many reasons, you may lack the numbers.

‘We have three games in a week and we will try to rotate players, but some of them will have to play every game.’