For an extended period, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez found it challenging to meet the expectations tied to his substantial transfer fee. However, as he gears up to compete against his former club Benfica this Saturday in the Club World Cup, he is beginning to demonstrate the quality that justified the Blues’ investment in him.
The 24-year-old played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s convincing 3-0 victory over Tunisia’s Esperance, providing assists for two of the goals that propelled his team into the last 16, setting up a clash with the Portuguese side in Charlotte this weekend.
With England international Cole Palmer facing a dip in form, Fernandez has become Chelsea’s key creative force over the last few months.
The Argentine midfielder contributed significantly to Chelsea securing a Champions League spot by finishing fourth in the Premier League and clinching the Conference League title in May.
In the final, after Real Betis took an early lead, Fernandez played a crucial role in Chelsea’s resurgence by scoring their first goal in a 4-1 victory in Poland.
This season, Fernandez has amassed 14 goals and assists combined, with Pedro Neto following behind with nine for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, while Palmer and young star Tyrique George trail with eight apiece.
Besides his impressive display against Esperance, Fernandez also found the back of the net in Chelsea’s opening 2-0 win in Atlanta against Los Angeles FC.
“My goal against LAFC marked my eighth of the season. That’s a solid tally; it’s pleasing in one season, and I’m grateful to God for this. Yet, I feel it’s still just the beginning,” Fernandez expressed on Chelsea’s website.
“I’m always striving for more, seeking to improve. If I can achieve that, it will benefit the team. This mindset is constantly in my thoughts.”
“My dedication comes from the desire to grow, and with Enzo (Maresca), I’m playing higher up the pitch, which has positively impacted my stats. However, next season, my aim is to net even more goals and provide further assists.”
Record Signing
In a squad that has seen a mixed roster over the last two years, Fernandez, who joined Chelsea in February 2023 for a record British transfer fee of £107 million, stands out as one of the more seasoned players.
“I relish this responsibility,” Fernandez added, having joined Stamford Bridge after his stellar performances in the 2022 World Cup that led Argentina to victory.
“I strive to maintain the same approach to my performances on the field. My focus remains on keeping a solid mentality, working hard, giving my all, being courageous, and doing everything possible to aid the team.”
Later in 2023, Chelsea brought Moises Caicedo on board in a deal that could escalate to £115 million, while Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz might cost upwards of £116 million, slightly alleviating the pressure on Fernandez.
Before Chelsea’s swoop, Fernandez had only appeared in 29 matches for Benfica, having made the move to Portugal from his childhood club, River Plate.
Following an inconsistent start in London, a hernia issue affected the latter part of his 2023/24 season, and then in July 2024, he faced backlash for participating in a song that mocked French players alongside his Argentina teammates.
Speculation surrounding Fernandez’s potential exit from Chelsea persists, but coach Maresca has asserted that the intention is for him to remain with the club.
“He’s been exceptional this season and has the potential to be even better from day one next season,” Maresca shared this week.
“Therefore, there’s nothing substantial to discuss regarding speculation. His focus is here, and that’s what matters most.”
In the match against Esperance, Fernandez assisted new Chelsea recruit Liam Delap in scoring his first goal, also offering the striker guidance for the times ahead.
“I spoke to Enzo, and he advised me to make runs whenever he has the ball,” Delap recounted. “It was a brilliant pass, and thankfully it went in.”
With Nicolas Jackson serving a suspension, Delap is set to feature once more against Benfica, knowing that he can rely on one of the world’s foremost playmakers to supply him.
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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