The performance of Enzo Fernandez against Liverpool FC on Sunday will be noted with interest by Chelsea fans after the star’s comments before the international break. The Argentinian midfielder turned in a sublime display for his country on Tuesday night, pulling the strings in their 6-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia.
Notably, the former Benfica man was deployed in a deeper role than he currently takes up at club level, leading supporters of the Blues to urge Enzo Maresca to tweak his position.
Indeed, despite moving to Stamford Bridge for a £107million fee in January 2023, Fernandez has thus far underwhelmed in England.
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The transfer was not well received back in Portugal, given Fernandez had only joined from River Plate the previous June. During that brief stint, he was named the Primeira Liga's Midfielder of the Month for September, October, and November, before reporting for international duty in Qatar.
However, his displays in Argentina’s World Cup win persuaded Chelsea to meet his release clause. The fee represented a British transfer record, albeit one broken the following summer by club team-mate Moises Caicedo.
Following Chelsea’s dramatic 4-2 win over Brighton last month, Fernandez seemingly tried to make peace with his former fans. And he admitted to being unhappy at the manner of his departure.
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“Let me say hello to the Benfica fans, who always send messages and remember me. Obviously I didn't like the way I left the club, but I'm very grateful to the club and everyone for all the support they give me,” he said.
The 23-year-old didn’t expand on what he meant by his comments, but did also acknowledge the Benfica players. “I wanted to say hello to all of them and to my former teammates," he added.
Despite his fluctuating form at club level, manager Enzo Maresca has refuted suggestions Fernandez is unhappy in west London. And he’s previously defended playing him in an advanced role, claiming he’s not concerned by his key man’s displays.
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“Enzo in this moment is playing on the ball as an attacking midfielder and off the ball as a holding midfielder,” he said. “He is doing very good with us and the idea is to continue with that.”
Fernandez has made 70 Chelsea appearances since his big-money move, scoring seven times. The Blues go to Liverpool on Sunday lying fourth in the Premier League table, four points off the league leaders.
