Chelsea boss Maresca hails Fernandez ahead of Benfica Club World Cup clash / Photo: FRANCK FIFE - AFP/File
-
Yankees deny Blue Jays playoff sweep as Mariners beat Tigers
-
Australia police foil 'kill team' gang hit near daycare centre
-
US, Qatar, Turkey to join third day of Gaza peace talks in Egypt
-
Gold tops $4,000 for first time as traders pile into safe haven
-
Indian garment exporters reel under US tariffs
-
NBA back in China after six-year absence sparked by democracy tweet
-
Energy storage and new materials eyed for chemistry Nobel
-
Trump unlikely to win Nobel Peace Prize, but who will?
-
Qatar, Turkey to join third day of Gaza peace talks in Egypt
-
Study finds women have higher genetic risk of depression
-
Dolly Parton's sister calls for fan prayers over health issues
-
On Trump's orders, 200 troops from Texas arrive in Illinois
-
Two bodies found, two missing after Madrid building collapse
-
Panthers raise banner as NHL three-peat bid opens with win
-
Nobel physics laureate says Trump cuts will 'cripple' US research
-
UFC star McGregor suspended 18 months over missed drug tests
-
Trump talks up Canada trade deal chances with 'world-class' Carney
-
Ecuador president unharmed after apparent gun attack on motorcade
-
Lyon exact revenge on Arsenal, Barca thrash Bayern in women's Champions League
-
Trump says 'real chance' to end Gaza war as Israel marks attacks anniversary
-
Gerrard brands failed England generation 'egotistical losers'
-
NFL fines Cowboys owner Jones $250,000 over gesture to fans
-
Bengals sign veteran quarterback Flacco after Burrow injury
-
New prime minister inspires little hope in protest-hit Madagascar
-
Is Trump planning something big against Venezuela's Maduro?
-
EU wants to crack down on 'conversion therapy'
-
French sex offender Pelicot says man who abused ex-wife knew she was asleep
-
Trump says 'real chance' to end Gaza war as Israel marks Oct 7 anniversary
-
UK prosecutors to appeal dropped 'terrorism' case against Kneecap rapper
-
Spain, Inter Miami star Alba retiring at end of season
-
EU targets foreign steel to rescue struggling sector
-
Djokovic vanquishes exhaustion to push through to Shanghai quarters
-
Trump talks up Canada deal chances with visiting PM
-
Knight rides her luck as England survive Bangladesh scare
-
Pro-Gaza protests flare in UK on anniversary of Hamas attack
-
Top rugby unions warn players against joining rebel R360 competition
-
Outcast Willis 'not overthinking' England absence despite Top 14 clean sweep
-
Trump says 'real chance' of Gaza peace deal
-
Macron urged to quit to end France political crisis
-
No.1 Scheffler seeks three-peat at World Challenge
-
Canadian PM visits Trump in bid to ease tariffs
-
Stocks falter, gold shines as traders weigh political turmoil
-
Senators accuse US attorney general of politicizing justice
-
LeBron's 'decision of all decisions' a PR stunt
-
Observing quantum weirdness in our world: Nobel physics explained
-
WTO hikes 2025 trade growth outlook but tariffs to bite in 2026
-
US Supreme Court hears challenge to 'conversion therapy' ban for minors
-
Italy's Gattuso expresses Gaza heartache ahead of World Cup qualifier with Israel
-
EU targets foreign steel to shield struggling sector
-
Djokovic vanquishes exhaustion to push through to Shanghai quarterfinals
NYSE - LSE
Chelsea boss Maresca hails Fernandez ahead of Benfica Club World Cup clash
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca on Friday hailed the contribution of playmaker Enzo Fernandez as the Argentinian prepares to come up against his old team Benfica at the Club World Cup.
"I am very pleased with Enzo especially because first of all he is a nice and polite boy, and then with us since we started he has been working very well in every aspect on and off the pitch," Maresca told reporters in Charlotte.
That is where the sides will face off on Saturday in the last 16 of FIFA's expanded competition.
Fernandez was a vital cog in the Chelsea side that finished fourth in the Premier League to qualify for next season's Champions League, and also featured in their run to the UEFA Conference League title.
At the Club World Cup he came off the bench at half-time to score the second goal in the 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in their opening game.
The 24-year-old has started both matches since, and laid on two goals in the 3-0 victory against Esperance of Tunisia in Philadelphia which clinched Chelsea's place in the last 16.
Fernandez was signed from Benfica in February 2023 for a British transfer record fee at the time of £107 million ($147 million).
In 2025 he has scored and assisted a total of 14 goals.
"This season he struggled a bit at the beginning to understand the way we want to play but (since) then he is doing fantastic also in terms of numbers, goals and assists," Maresca added.
"This is what I want from attacking players -- I have said many times that I prefer to have attacking players with 10-12 goals each than just one striker with 40 goals.
"His contribution has been top and I am sure it will be even better next season."
Chelsea have won all three previous competitive meetings with Benfica, the last coming in the Europa League final in 2013.
But Maresca is wary of the Portuguese side after they beat Bayern Munich to top their group at the competition.
"I think Benfica, not only in this competition, have always shown how big a club they are in Europe," said the coach.
"In the last game they beat Bayern so they showed what they can do. Every game is tough and complicated, and anything can happen."
If Chelsea win they will head to Philadelphia for a quarter-final on July 4.
P.Mathewson--AMWN