BREAKING NEWS: Live from Stamford Bridge, it was reported late last night that Enzo Fernandez has experienced yet another heartbreaking loss
Enzo Fernandez recently opened up about his January 2023 transfer from Benfica to Chelsea, a move worth £106 million, making it a record-breaking transfer for a British club at the time.
This record, however, was surpassed less than seven months later when Moises Caicedo joined Chelsea for £115 million.
Reflecting on the transfer, Fernandez expressed regret over how he left Benfica and its supporters, although he refrained from going into too much detail about what specifically bothered him.
Speaking during international duty with Argentina, he took the opportunity to acknowledge Benfica fans and the emotional connection he still feels with them.
Fernandez said, “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 am very grateful to the club and everyone for all the support they give me.”
His departure from Benfica came after an impressive season where he played 29 matches for the Portuguese side.
His outstanding performance during Argentina’s World Cup victory in 2022 played a significant role in Chelsea’s pursuit of him.
Since his high-profile move to Chelsea, the 23-year-old Argentine international has made 70 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and providing six assists.
However, despite his consistent presence in the team, there remains some debate among Chelsea supporters about his best position on the pitch.
Last month, Enzo Maresca, a football figure associated with Chelsea, shed light on how he envisions Fernandez’s role within the squad, suggesting that he sees him as a versatile box-to-box midfielder.
He even compared Fernandez’s role to that of Arsenal’s Declan Rice, noting the similarities in how both players operate as both attacking and defensive midfielders depending on their team’s needs.
Maresca elaborated, “I think it’s very difficult in the way we play to find a midfielder that can attack like an attacking midfielder and defend like a holding midfielder.
For instance, Arsenal are using Declan Rice as an attacking midfielder on the ball and as a holding midfielder when defending.
Man City, in the past, have done this with Ilkay Gundogan.”
Maresca also highlighted how Fernandez has been balancing these dual roles, saying that the midfielder is the only player in the current Chelsea squad capable of fulfilling both attacking and defensive duties at such a high level.
He added that in Chelsea’s current setup, Fernandez operates as an attacking midfielder when the team is in possession of the ball but shifts into a more defensive role when they need to maintain balance.
Enzo Fernandez’s reflections on his record-breaking January 2023 transfer from Benfica to Chelsea highlight the emotional complexity of his move. He expressed regret about how he departed from Benfica, acknowledging that he wished the situation had unfolded differently but still appreciated the ongoing support from the club’s fans. His time at Benfica was marked by his stellar performances, which contributed to Argentina’s World Cup win and sparked Chelsea’s pursuit of him.
Since his transfer, Fernandez has become a key figure in Chelsea’s midfield, making 70 appearances and contributing seven goals and six assists. Despite his influence on the team, there remains debate among fans about his optimal role on the pitch. Enzo Maresca, reflecting on Fernandez’s versatility, likened him to players like Declan Rice and Ilkay Gundogan. Maresca emphasized that Fernandez is a unique player for Chelsea, fulfilling both attacking and defensive responsibilities based on the team’s tactical needs. This dynamic, box-to-box role allows Fernandez to shift between attack and defense, showcasing his adaptability and importance to the squad.
Fernandez’s journey continues to evolve, and his role at Chelsea is integral to the club’s ambitions, as he balances both creative and defensive duties at a high level.
