Jamie Redknapp admits ‘magnificent’ Chelsea player has finally won him over after Liverpool display

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Jamie Redknapp has praised one Chelsea star for stepping up against Liverpool on Saturday.

Chelsea beat the Premier League champions 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, with Estevao Willian and Moises Caicedo scoring for the home side.

Chelsea were without star man Cole Palmer, who is being given time to fully recover from a groin issue.

It meant that someone had to take the mantle in his absence, which one player did, according to Redknapp.

• READ MORE: Marc Cucurella claims £37m Chelsea player deserves as much credit as Estevao Willian

Jamie Redknapp claims Enzo Fernandez was ‘magnificent’ against Liverpool

Redknapp has admitted that he has not always been Enzo Fernandez‘s biggest fan. However, the former Liverpool midfielder felt that Fernandez really stepped up in Palmer’s absence and put in a terrific performance against the Reds.

Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Redknapp said: “I wasn’t sure about Enzo when he first came in. But when Chelsea didn’t have Cole Palmer today, someone had to step up. 

“The pass to the assist is often as important as the assist itself — Enzo’s pass to [Marc] Cucurella was brilliant and I thought he was magnificent today.”

The 24-year-old, then, has convinced one of his critics with his latest performance. Enzo Maresca will be hoping that he can build on this display.

Fernandez has been really impactful this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in seven Premier League appearances. His return of goal contributions is excellent for a midfielder.

Fernandez also impressed against Benfica during the week, helping Chelsea to beat his ex-team 1-0.

Enzo Fernandez’s stats vs Liverpool

Fernandez did not manage to register a goal contribution against Liverpool, but he did pose a threat going forward. The Argentine hit the woodwork once and made one key pass.

Fernandez was also a very combative figure on the pitch, making a total of four tackles.

Overall, it was a very complete performance that Fernandez put in. His midfield partner Caicedo, whom he played further ahead of against Liverpool, is receiving a lot of credit after his own display, and rightly so.

However, the Argentina international also deserves some praise for his contribution. Fernandez really made his presence on the pitch known, and had Maresca’s side not had him on the day, they may have lost the match.