As if a divorce could revive a career? In any case for Enzo Fernandez, the return to celibacy seems to have a positive effect. Separating from his wife Valentina Cervantes at the beginning of November to “live unprecedented experiences, because he chose family life very early on”, the 23-year-old Argentinian midfielder seems to be enjoying it on the football fields. Star recruit of the 2023 winter transfer window for Chelsea when he arrived from Benfica for a check for 121 million euros, Enzo Fernandez has alternated hot and cold since his arrival. So much so that he became a substitute at the start of the season following the rise of the duo composed of Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia. But while he was in tough times, Enzo Fernandez relaunched his history with the Blues.
“At the moment Enzo Fernandez is playing less, but there is no problem. When he’s on the field, he’s good. If he has less playing time, it’s simply because I find Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in better physical shape.explained Blues coach Enzo Maresca at the time. However, Enzo Fernandez did not give up and immediately pulled himself together. From the following match in the Europa League Conference against FC Noah (8-0), he shone by delivering three offerings. A decisive passer the following weekend for Pedro Neto to snatch a draw against Arsenal 1-1, Enzo Fernandez then took on the role of scorer in addition to that of passer against Leicester (2-1). A match which marked his return to the eleven of the London team. Since then it’s simple, he has always been a starter in the Premier League and has 3 goals and 7 goals in the last 7 matches played, being decisive in each match.
Decisive in every match
Quite a comeback for Enzo Fernandez, whose duo with Moisés Caicedo, which had been expected since the summer of 2023, finally seems to give the full measure of his talent. Like the Ecuadorian who has been shining since the start of the year and has been impressive, Enzo Fernandez took longer, but was able to get up to speed. His return to the eleven with the captain’s armband also coincides with a good series of five victories in a row for the Blues who are back in the title race, 2 points behind Liverpool (with one more match). “Enzo is a very good example. Noni (Madueke editor’s note) is the same. Even when they weren’t playing, they were doing the right things. It was my decision to leave them on the bench, but it wasn’t because they were training poorly or their behavior wasn’t correct. These were simple technical decisions», did not fail to recall Enzo Maresca, a few days ago before the Blues’ victory against Brentford (2-0) this Sunday.
Former English full-back who moved to Chelsea between 2003 and 2007, Glen Johnson congratulated the Argentinian for his performance for BetFred : “I think this is the best game I’ve seen Enzo Fernandez play since he was at Chelsea and now he looks like a pure player. He scores goals, controls matches and that’s what you expect from someone with his price.» The previous week against Tottenham (4-3), he also broke the screen with a magnificent volley which allowed the Blues to turn the match around. “That’s where you have quality. Fernandez, brilliant. The first touch of the ball puts him in a good position. A quick game with a one-two. I love it… His first contact is vital. His confidence is high after scoring last week. We know Palmer will see you. His first contact is essential, it puts him in a position to score. He leaves no chance for defenders to get close to him. A brilliant, very brilliant and well-deserved goal», noted Roy Keane then on Sky Sports. In crazy confidence before Boxing Day which approaches for the Blues, Enzo Fernandez is simply walking on water at the moment.
