Enzo Fernández’s fortitude shows Maresca was right to crave City reunion
Some scoffed at £125m price tag, but the Argentinian did the work of two midfielders after Phil Foden’s red card
TL;DR
- Enzo Maresca was ecstatic that Manchester City spent £125m to reunite him with Enzo Fernández.
- Fernández was eager to work under Maresca again and made his intentions clear to his previous employers.
- Questions were raised about Fernández's attitude and quality, but Maresca was confident in his abilities.
- During a derby match, City found themselves disjointed and overrun in midfield.
- Fernández embraced adversity after a red card, performing the jobs of two men.
- He operated as a No. 8 with freedom to roam and support Erling Haaland.
- Fernández covered over 10.25km and worked at the same per-minute rate as teammate Elliot Anderson.
- He performed 10 sprints, twice as many as any other central midfielder, and won the most duels (eight).
- Fernández's performance ensured United couldn't build effectively in central areas.
- He was instrumental in 'winding up' opponents and winning the ball.
- Fernández showed his commitment by almost crawling back onto the pitch after the match.