Following a short spell out of the starting XI in late October and early November, Fernandez returned to the side away at Leicester City and contributed a goal and an assist as the Blues secured a 2-1 victory at the King Power Stadium.

The 24-year-old has started the following nine Premier League matches, each as captain, and registered four further goal involvements. He has also continued to create opportunities for his team-mates, with only 10 players in the top flight fashioning more open-play chances than Fernandez's 38.

That statistic points to the Argentine's more advanced role this season under Maresca, and the Italian is impressed with the information Enzo has taken on board as the campaign has progressed.

‘He’s understanding the game much better compared to the beginning of the season,’ the Chelsea head coach explained during his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers to Stamford Bridge on Monday.

‘I think that is something normal when you start a new process. Also, the way that we want him to play is a bit different from the past, not only last year, but two or three years ago when he was in Portugal or Argentina.

‘We were sure he was going to score goals and give us clear chances and I think, being even more clinical, he could score three or four more goals with those three or four chances.

'We have no doubt that we will soon be there with Enzo and all the team.’