Is Fernandez now Chelsea's biggest threat in attack?
It has not always been plain sailing for Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea.There was a lot of expectation on the World Cup winner when he joined from Benfica in the 2023 January transfer window for a British record fee of £107m.While things started off brightly in those first few months, like a number of players, Fernandez suffered in the chaotic nature of the Blues' squad upheaval.He seemed to struggle with the weight of the price tag and then suffered a hernia which required surgery and ruled him out of the remaining part of the 2023-24 campaign.The 24-year-old then began last season amid an alleged racism scandal after he sang a derogatory song about black players in the France national team, before losing his starting place to Romeo Lavia in the autumn months.However, when he got his chance again, he stepped up and made seven goal contributions in six Premier League games between 10 November and 15 December.And while other players dropped off in the second half of the campaign, Fernandez came to the fore with some crucial goals and assists to help Chelsea secure Champions League football for 2025-26, and silverware by winning the Conference League.The Argentina international was once again among the goal contributions overnight when he provided two assists in the side's 3-0 over ES Tunis in the Club World Cup.In fact, Fernandez has provided more assists (eight) and scored more goals (six) than any other Chelsea player in this calendar year.Heis also the only Chelsea player to create 50 or more chances in that time (54).And, since the start of April, the midfielder has the most goals and assists combined of any Premier League player in all competitions (11 - four goals, seven assists).It seems Fernandez could finally be finding the form that led the Blues' hierarchy to break their transfer record to bring him in.While talisman Cole Palmer is often seen as the creative force, that could now be being challenged with Fernandez, Pedro Neto and Tyrique George all contributing more or equal to the Chelsea number 10 in 2025 so far.But who will be the one to top this table next season?Make your choice here
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