Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez continued to show he is becoming a reliable source of goals after coming off the bench to score in their opening Club World Cup game.
Enzo Maresca preferred the starting partnership of Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo from the off against LAFC, however the Blues’ performance certainly improved when the World Cup winner entered the fray.
The Blues ended up winning 2-0, with Pedro Neto’s goal and brilliant performance key for the result.
Maresca recently claimed Fernandez had improved under his management, and his strike in the United States was his ninth of the season, adding to his 14 assists.
Enzo Fernandez celebrates scoring during Chelsea FC v Los Angeles Football Club: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho sends message to Enzo Fernandez after Chelsea Club World Cup win
The Argentine took to Instagram after the game to mark the win, captioning his post: “Just the beginning. Very important win.”
While a plethora of Chelsea players took to the comments to praise their teammate, it was notable that transfer target Alejandro Garnacho was also quick to send a message to his international colleague after the game.
He said: “What a player my son” as talk over his future continues to go on, with Chelsea one of the player’s most likely destinations this summer.
Alejandro Garnacho comments on Enzo Fernandez's Instagram post
The Blues were strongly linked with signing Garnacho back in January, and the Argentine remains on the list for potential new left-wingers before the new Premier League season gets underway.
Alejandro Garnacho walks past the trophy after Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Final 2025
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
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Chelsea could sign Garnacho instead of Jamie Gittens
Maresca has confirmed Chelsea will sign a new winger during this transfer window, after they failed in their efforts to bring in Jamie Gittens before the first deadline.
While the Blues remain interested in the Englishman, it has been claimed they could turn to Garnacho if Borussia Dortmund continue to play hardball over his price.
Garnacho wants to stay in the Premier League even though he is expected to leave Manchester United for £40m, who will also need to sort out the future of former Blues loanee Jadon Sancho.
Maresca is likely to have a big say in who the club bring in this summer due to his very impressive first season in charge, with him already making it clear that he wanted Liam Delap before he made the switch.