Chelsea pair Valentin Barco and Enzo Fernandez showed why both they and Argentina will be ones to watch during the World Cup in their win over Iceland.
Valentin Barco and Enzo Fernandez took center stage for Argentina in their 3-0 World Cup warm-up victory over Iceland.
Starting in a revamped midfield, Barco stole the headlines by scoring a breathtaking, long-range left-footed rocket just eight minutes into the game. His exceptional international display caps off a stellar year in France, which has paved the way for a move to Chelsea this summer.
Meanwhile, Fernandez offered a stabilising presence off the bench in the second half, but his club future in London remains highly uncertain.
Amid contract friction and a desire to play Champions League football, Fernandez has informed Chelsea of his desire to leave, but Xabi Alonso wants to keep him at Stamford Bridge.
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How the Argentine media rated Barco and Fernandez’s displays
Both Barco and Fernandez were given praise for their Argentina displays, but it’s clear that the former is outshining his older compatriot as we head into the World Cup.
Valentin Barco – 8/10 – Goal to open the game in the 8th minute. He associated well with his teammates. Good pass to Nico Paz. 45 minutes that leave him well-positioned again for the World Cup.
Enzo Fernandez – 6/10 Since he came on, he played as a central midfielder, with a lot of participation. Then he ran to the left, and it was difficult for him to get into the game.
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Imagine if Chelsea can keep Enzo Fernandez this summer
Just think about if Enzo Fernandez decides to stay at Stamford Bridge, allowing Chelsea to unleash a tantalising midfield trio alongside Valentin Barco and Moises Caicedo.
This partnership possesses a perfect balance that could dominate Europe. Caicedo would serve as the relentless, ball-winning destroyer, anchoring the midfield and protecting the backline. This would liberate Fernandez to pull the strings from deep, dictate tempo, and spray line-breaking passes, while Barco would provide explosive energy, carrying the ball forward and injecting flair into the final third.
It’s a beautifully constructed engine room that has everything you could want.
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