“Class player to win games with” – Paul Merson names Chelsea superstar who is a ‘cut above’ his teammates
Paul Merson has lavished praise on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez but reckons the Argentine may be growing impatient with his club’s struggles.
Fernandez joined the Blues in January for a then-club record £106.8 million from Benfica. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has made an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge albeit during a period when his side are faltering.
The 22-year-old has made 27 appearances across competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists. He has pulled the strings in the heart of Chelsea’s midfield with his superb passing range and impressive IQ.Fernandez is still adapting to life in English football but has been a standout performer for the Pride of London. He arrived off a breakout 2022 World Cup campaign, bagging one goal and an assist in seven games as Argentina won the competition.Merson has lauded Fernandez as Mauricio Pochettino’s protagonist, claiming him to be the best of the crop (via English journalist Simon Phillips):
“Enzo Fernandez is different class – a cut above the rest. But how long will he stand for this?”
The pundit was alluding to the dismal form his side have been in since he arrived at the club. They finished 12th last season. and Fernandez has only been on the winning side four times in 22 league games.
The Blues’ latest setback under Pochettino came against Nottingham Forest on Saturday (September 2). Anthony Elanga’s first-half strike stunned the hosts at Stamford Bridge, meaning they have won just one of their opening four games.