Alejandro Garnacho’s transition has been helped by one Chelsea player in particular, and the two can take that bond onto the field.
Chelsea’s signing of Alejandro Garnacho was questioned by many before he ever took to the pitch in a blue shirt.
Some pundits were confused by the decision to replace Noni Madueke with Garnacho, and the attitude concerns are as relevant now as when he was at Old Trafford.
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But the 21-year-old is a special talent, and Chelsea did their due diligence to make sure he would be a good fit.
The next step is settling at his new club, a task reportedly made easier by his Argentina teammate.
Enzo Fernandez has helped Alejandro Garnacho integrate at Chelsea
Garnacho was adamant about staying in England when discussions of a move began. Though he got his wish, it’s still a big adjustment for a player who has only known Man United as a professional footballer.
According to The Athletic, that adjustment was aided by international teammate Enzo Fernandez: “Sources, speaking anonymously to The Athletic to protect relationships, say he has integrated very well.
“Being a friend of midfielder and sometime Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez, an Argentina team-mate, has also made for a smooth introduction into the dressing-room dynamic.”
Given how long he has been playing at the top level, it’s easy to forget that Garnacho is 21 years old.
Moving to a new club can be challenging, but Chelsea’s new winger won’t be given much time to adapt. Expectations are high, and a certain fanbase will be itching to say ‘I told you so’ if he doesn’t hit the ground running.
Garnacho and Fernandez can bring that relationship onto the field
Garnacho having that existing friendship with Fernandez will be a big help off the pitch, but there’s potential for the two to form a dangerous duo while playing as well.
Fernandez likes to operate in the left half-space, so it’s safe to say the two will need to combine.
Garnacho had a great connection with Bruno Fernandes, and his new midfield teammate does a lot of what the United captain does going forward.
They both like those late runs into the box and are comfortable when given a sight of goal.
The Argentinian should cause problems for opposing defences in transition and in one-on-one scenarios. He made a habit of beating his man down the line and finding Bruno with a well-timed cut-back. There’s no reason why he can’t find the same joy with Enzo.
The two could form a formidable pairing on the left side of Chelsea’s attack, something we will hopefully get a first glimpse of when Garnacho returns to Old Trafford.
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