Enzo Fernandez is enjoying the plaudits of Argentine media and fans after the Chelsea star sparkled in his country’s comeback win over England in their World Cup semi-final.
Having scored the winner against Egypt in the quarter-finals, another comeback win with Egypt winning 2-0 until the 80th minute, Argentina faced Thomas Tuchel’s England on Wednesday night in Atlanta.
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Fernandez started, as did Chelsea captain Reece James, while Trevoh Chalobah and Valentin Barco were unused substitutes on the night. All eyes were on Lionel Messi, but it was Fernandez who stole the show.
Fernandez had already netted twice at the World Cup this summer and took his tally to three to cancel out Anthony Gordon’s opener. A superb shot from all of 25 yards that caught Jordan Pickford flat-footed.
Chelsea fans shocked by Enzo Fernandez’s shooting ability
It was a clear tactic. By the time Fernandez had attempted his effort that resulted in Argentina drawing level, he had attempted to find the back of the net five times from long range. Eventually, it worked.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni had clearly allowed Fernandez to try his luck from a distance with the Three Lions playing so deep. A couple whistled narrowly over, before Pickford was forced to tip one over.
From the resulting corner, Fernandez found the back of the net, and Chelsea fans have responded to his goal on social media. Many are surprised that Fernandez’s long-range shooting ability was so effective.
One Chelsea supporter said “it’s finally coming together for him”, after watching his effort fly into the top corner. Another claimed that “Xabi Alonso will love this”, having watched Fernandez score from range.
For some, it left supporters frustrated. One fan posted “he can’t do that at Chelsea”, while another said “I don’t know why he skies the shots he takes for Chelsea”. Fernandez is certainly dividing Chelsea opinion.
If he wasn’t convinced already, Xabi Alonso will be now
Alonso already stated in his first press conference as Chelsea manager that he wants to keep Fernandez at Stamford Bridge. Whether that turns out to be the case remains to be seen, but Alonso wants him.
Chelsea are said to want £120m for Fernandez and if an offer in that region arrives, he will be allowed to depart. Real Madrid, PSG, Arsenal, Man City and Atletico Madrid have all been linked at points so far.
Enzo Fernandez needs to leave Chelsea for the good of the club 👋🏻
Thoughts?
But if Wednesday night’s outing showed Alonso anything, it is that even if a £120m offer does arrive, the Chelsea gaffer should do everything he can to keep Fernandez. He is a game-changer, one of the best.
Right now, he is one of the best players at the World Cup, and certainly, it is hard to think of a better midfielder across the pond. Alonso and Chelsea have to keep Fernandez at Stamford Bridge this summer.
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