A year ago, Enzo Fernandez celebrated his first world champion title with Argentina. Sacred in Doha with the Albiceleste, the midfielder lived a dream. On his return to Europe a few weeks later, the native of San Martin had to manage a very busy transfer window. Followed by several European leaders, including Real Madrid, it was made a priority by Chelsea. The Blues tried everything to dislodge him from Benfica. But the Portuguese systematically closed the door. While we imagined Enzo Fernandez continuing in Lisbon, he finally won his case at the very end of the transfer window.
Indeed, Benfica announced his departure to Chelsea on February 1, 2023. The residents of Stamford Bridge broke the bank to secure his services since they spent 121 million euros. The Argentinian world champion has signed a contract until June 2031! Expected at the turn because of its record price, the main interested party admitted not to pay attention to it. “These numbers have nothing to do with me. It’s part of football. My job is to go out there and give my best.”
A World Cup and a big transfer to Chelsea to digest
During his first six months in London, he did not have an easy time both collectively and individually. Author of 22 appearances, the Argentinian, who started each time, did not have an immediate impact. This 2023-24 season, the media and supporters alike expected him to show a much more attractive face, especially since Moises Caicédo was recruited to support him in the midfield. But Mauricio Pochettino’s men are not really having a convincing first part of the season, they who are in tenth place in the Premier League.
For his part, Enzo Fernandez played 20 matches, including 17 as a starter. Time to score 3 goals, including one from a penalty. In Pochettino’s eleven, the former River Plate tries to bring his aggression, his commitment and his volume of play. But he is not yet playing at his best level. In his defense, Pochettino uses him in No. 10 behind the striker while he is more comfortable in a double pivot. These tactical choices of his coach are reflected in his performances. Last night, he didn’t make a good impression against Newcastle. The 22-year-old only stayed on the pitch for 31 minutes before being replaced and consoled by his coach.
The Argentinian is injured
Indeed, the injured player was in tears. At a press conference, Pochettino gave his news. “He felt a bit ill before the match. He didn’t feel good at all and when he started playing he didn’t feel good. I asked him how he was and he asked to go out. Hopefully it’s not important.” But the reality would be slightly different. TyC Sport reveals that he has been suffering physically for several weeks now and that he is not performing at 100% of his abilities.
The Argentine media specifies: “At first, this early change attracted attention, as Enzo had shown no signs of pain during the 31 minutes he spent on the pitch. He was not even treated by the team’s medical staff and left the field on his own, without needing the help of the stretcher. In any case, we quickly learned that the ex-River was not 100% physically and that he had been suffering from pubalgia for several weeks now. As it was a decisive match for the London team, he asked Pochettino to start, but he was only able to last a short time on the pitch.
Pochettino does not use it in his position
Tyc Sport adds: “#5 was seen with glassy eyes and had to be consoled by his trainer. The tears are from anger and anguish because he has been suffering from this pubic problem for some time now and he can’t leave it behind. This Wednesday he will undergo studies to confirm or deny any other muscle injury. “At Chelsea, we think he will be out for about a month, although everything will depend on the results.” Bad news for Enzo Fernandez, who is struggling to establish himself completely and who is going through a bad patch.
Same thing for Chelsea, who bet big on him. Especially since Pochettino persists in aligning him in a position that is not his and he prefers to associate Caicedo, who is coming back well, with Gallagher, who is in good shape and who is fighting not to be sold. All without counting the upcoming return of Romeo Lavia and a possible recruit in the transfer window. Not enough to reassure Enzo Fernandez, who was bought for 121 million euros and who is not in the best position by his club. A new puzzle in perspective for the English.
