Enzo Maresca has reportedly expressed his admiration for Enzo Fernández, making it clear that the Argentine midfielder will remain an important part of his plans as long as he continues performing at his current level.
The Manchester City manager believes that players who consistently demonstrate quality, commitment, and determination on the pitch deserve to retain their places in the starting lineup, and Fernández appears to be doing exactly that.
Fernández has continued to attract attention with his performances in midfield, demonstrating his ability to influence matches through his passing, movement, work rate, and understanding of the game. His contribution has made him an important figure in the team, with his ability to control possession and help his teammates becoming increasingly valuable.
Speaking about the midfielder’s performances, Maresca reportedly indicated that there would be little reason to leave Fernández out of the starting lineup if he continued delivering the same level of quality. Although the precise wording of the manager’s comments has not been independently verified, the message reflects the importance of consistency and performance in earning a regular place in a competitive squad.
For Maresca, selecting a starting eleven is never simply about reputation or the amount of money a club has spent on a player. Every footballer must demonstrate that they can contribute to the team’s objectives, and those who consistently perform at a high level naturally strengthen their chances of remaining in the side.
Fernández’s qualities make him particularly valuable in midfield. The Argentine international possesses the technical ability to receive the ball under pressure, identify passing opportunities, and help his team move from defence into attack. His distribution can open up spaces for attacking players, while his awareness allows him to find teammates in areas where they can threaten the opposition.
His willingness to remain involved throughout a match is another quality that can make a difference. Midfielders are expected to contribute in several areas, including possession, defensive transitions, pressing, and the creation of attacking opportunities. A player who can perform these responsibilities effectively offers a manager greater tactical flexibility.
Maresca is understood to value players who can adapt to his tactical demands. His preferred approach places considerable emphasis on possession, intelligent movement, and the ability to maintain control of matches. Fernández’s technical qualities could make him an important component of such a system, particularly when the team needs a midfielder capable of progressing the ball and maintaining the tempo.
The competition for places in midfield, however, remains an important consideration. At a club with ambitions of competing for major trophies, no player can afford to become complacent. Even established internationals must continue working hard in training and demonstrating their value during matches.
Nevertheless, Fernández’s performances could put him in a strong position to retain his place if he continues meeting the manager’s expectations. His combination of experience, technical ability, and tactical awareness gives him several qualities that could make him difficult to replace.
The midfielder’s relationship with his teammates is also an important part of his overall contribution. Successful midfield partnerships depend on communication, positioning, and an understanding of when to move forward or remain in a supporting position. When these relationships work effectively, the entire team can become more balanced and difficult to play against.
Fernández can also contribute to the team’s attacking play without necessarily being the player who scores the goals. His ability to deliver forward passes, switch the direction of play, and create opportunities for teammates can help attacking players receive the ball in more dangerous positions. These contributions are sometimes less visible than goals and assists, but they remain essential to a team’s performance.
Defensively, midfielders must also understand when to press the opposition and when to protect the spaces in front of their defenders. Maintaining that balance requires concentration and discipline, particularly against teams that attack quickly through the middle of the pitch.
If Fernández continues to demonstrate those qualities consistently, Maresca could have little incentive to change a midfield arrangement that is delivering positive results. Managers often prefer continuity when players understand their responsibilities and work effectively together, especially during periods when the team is competing across multiple competitions.
The comments attributed to Maresca also underline a wider principle about football management: selection should be earned through performance. A player who delivers consistently gives the manager confidence, while a player who struggles may find it more difficult to retain a starting position.
For Fernández, the challenge will be maintaining his current standards over an extended period. Performing well in one or two matches can attract attention, but sustaining that level throughout a demanding season is what separates reliable performers from truly influential players.
He will also need to remain focused when facing difficult opponents, particularly in matches where his team has less possession or must defend for extended periods. Those situations test a midfielder’s concentration, decision-making, and ability to contribute even when the game does not develop according to plan.
Maresca will likely expect Fernández to continue improving in these areas while maintaining the technical qualities that make him such an interesting midfield option. There is always room for development, even for experienced international players, and continued progress could make him an even more important figure.
Ultimately, the suggestion that Fernández will not be benched if he continues performing at his current level represents a strong endorsement of the importance of consistency. It does not mean that he is guaranteed to start every match regardless of circumstances, but it highlights how impressive performances can strengthen a player’s position within a manager’s plans.
As the season progresses, Fernández will have opportunities to demonstrate that he deserves to remain a regular starter. If he continues delivering quality performances, contributing to the team’s tactical structure, and helping his teammates succeed, he could become one of the most trusted players in Maresca’s midfield.