Welcome to Jeetbuzz weekly deep dive into the Premier League, where we break down tactical shifts, player performances, and the stories shaping the most exciting league in the world. This week, we analyze Enzo Fernandez‘s remarkable transformation, an evergreen striker’s impact, and the humble genius behind Bournemouth’s rise.
Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea’s New Attacking Force
When Chelsea faced Liverpool earlier this season, a surprising decision made headlines: their record signing, Enzo Fernandez, was dropped from the starting lineup. Manager Enzo Maresca’s message was clear—no player was indispensable. Fast forward to the present, and that statement is being put to the test. Fernandez has not only reclaimed his spot but has arguably become Chelsea’s most vital player, undergoing a tactical metamorphosis that has turned him into a potent attacking weapon.
The 24-year-old Argentine World Cup winner has been liberated from his deep-lying midfield role alongside Moises Caicedo. Maresca has pushed him further up the pitch and shifted his average positioning from the left to the right, placing him in areas where he can inflict maximum damage on the opposition.
The statistics tell the story of his evolution. While his overall touches have decreased, their quality has skyrocketed. This season, a remarkable 64% of his passes occur in the opposition’s half, a significant jump from 54% last term. Since his return to the starting XI in November, which he marked with a decisive goal against Leicester, Fernandez has started 22 out of 23 Premier League games, contributing six goals and, most impressively, 13 assists in all competitions.
His creative output has undergone a complete reversal. Last season, he created less than half the chances of teammate Cole Palmer (32). This campaign, with four games still to play, his total of 73 chances created places him fourth in the entire division, just behind Palmer himself. His recent form includes four assists in his last three games, helping to mitigate any struggles in Chelsea’s attack.
As Jeetbuzz tactics analyst Mark Thompson notes, “Fernandez’s repositioning is a masterstroke. He’s always had the technical quality and vision, but by moving him into the final third, Maresca has unlocked a creative force that Chelsea desperately needed.”
The Demands of a Dual Role
This new role is not without its demands. Fernandez himself explained the complexity of the position in an exclusive interview, stating it is “an offensive position when it’s time to attack, but when it’s time to defend, I have to get back alongside Moi [Caicedo] to close the space between the lines.”
To facilitate this freedom, Maresca has implemented a system where the full-backs tuck inside to cover the space vacated by Fernandez when he pushes forward. This requires immense physical conditioning and tactical intelligence, attributes Fernandez has worked hard to develop. “It is a very demanding role, especially in the Premier League where the football is more direct. I have worked a lot to be at the right level physically,” he added.
What makes Fernandez truly indispensable is his clutch performance in big moments. Of his six goals, four have been match-winners. Similarly, six of his seven Premier League assists have directly decided results. This ability to step up when it matters most, combined with his evident leadership and mentality, has made him the example Maresca now points to for other players.
Danny Welbeck: Brighton’s Ageless Asset
From West London to the South Coast, another player is defying expectations and time itself. At 34 years old, Danny Welbeck is enjoying his most productive season in a Brighton shirt, and few opponents have felt his impact more acutely than Newcastle United.
Ahead of their meeting this weekend, Newcastle must be having nightmares about the veteran striker. Welbeck has already scored two winners against them this season—a cleverly worked goal in October and an extra-time decider in March that knocked Newcastle out of the FA Cup at St James’ Park.
His importance to Brighton cannot be overstated. The team’s Premier League win rate plummets from 44% to a mere 14% when he is unavailable. Despite missing seven games between December and January due to injury, Welbeck has reached double figures for goals in all competitions. With nine Premier League goals, he needs just one more from Brighton’s final four games to make this the highest-scoring top-flight campaign of his 17-year career.
But as any fan knows, Welbeck’s value extends far beyond goals. He is the ultimate team player, a leader whose recent blunt assessment of Brighton’s 4-2 loss to Brentford—where he criticized the lack of collective play—seems to have sparked a response from his teammates. His experience, movement, and selfless play make Brighton a completely different proposition, and Newcastle will have to contain him to avoid another painful lesson.
Andoni Iraola: The Humble Architect of Bournemouth’s Rise
Bournemouth’s transformation under Andoni Iraola has been one of the stories of the season. The 42-year-old Basque coach has taken a team many tipped for struggle and turned them into genuine European contenders with an exciting, high-intensity style of play.
Yet, speaking to him at the club’s training ground, what stands out most is not tactical jargon or self-promotion, but a profound humility. “Most, if not all, of the coaches that I am playing against have achieved more than me,” he shrugged when discussing his rising reputation.
This humility has become characteristic of his team. While he has developed outstanding individuals like Milos Kerkez and Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth’s strength lies in their collective identity. They are one of the hardest-working sides in the Premier League, facing injury problems and controversial refereeing decisions with minimal complaint, focusing instead on their structured, aggressive approach.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has instilled a humble yet effective team ethos
As Jeetbuzz La Liga correspondent Maria Rodriguez observes, “Iraola’s work at Rayo Vallecano was impressive, but what he’s achieving at Bournemouth on a tactical and cultural level is exceptional. He’s creating an identity that transcends individual talent.”
Weekend Watch: Players to Monitor
Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace)
While teammates like Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise grab more headlines, Sarr’s performance in Palace’s FA Cup semi-final win was exceptional. His pace, direct running, and improved decision-making could be crucial against a Nottingham Forest side fighting for survival on Monday night.
Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth)
The left-back continues to attract interest from top clubs with his marauding runs and defensive solidity. His battle against Bukayo Saka or another of Arsenal’s right-sided attackers will be a fascinating subplot to Saturday’s encounter.
Nicolás Jackson (Chelsea)
With Fernandez creating chances at an elite rate, Jackson’s movement and finishing against Liverpool’s high line could determine whether Chelsea can exploit the space behind the champions’ defense.
Premier League Weekend on Jeetbuzz
The action continues throughout the weekend with several crucial matches:
- Manchester City vs Wolves – Friday night under the lights
- Arsenal vs Bournemouth – Saturday evening tactical showdown
- Brighton vs Newcastle – Sunday early game featuring Welbeck’s bogey team
- Chelsea vs Liverpool – Sunday super clash with Fernandez pulling the strings
- Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest – Monday night survival battle
Enzo Fernandez’s Evolution and Premier League Weekend Preview on Jeetbuzz
This weekend offers compelling narratives across the Premier League landscape. From Enzo Fernandez’s continued evolution into Chelsea’s creative heartbeat to Danny Welbeck’s ageless threat against familiar foes, the tactical battles and individual brilliance continue to captivate. Andoni Iraola’s humble revolution at Bournemouth reminds us that football success is built on collective ethos as much as individual talent.
Which player transformation has impressed you most this season? Can Welbeck continue his scoring streak against Newcastle? Share your thoughts with the Jeetbuzz community and stay tuned for our post-match analysis and breaking news throughout the weekend.
