Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is a mainstay in central midfield for both club and country, so it’s no surprise to see he started for Argentina on Saturday.
The South American giants beat Venezuela 1-0 in an international friendly courtesy of a Giovani Lo Celso goal.
Enzo Fernandez earned his 38th senior cap with another start for his country, where he was busy as always in the centre of the park. At the age of 24, he should still have plenty more years as well.
Argentina’s next match against Puerto Rico on Wednesday means that Fernandez is unlikely to start Chelsea’s fixture away to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League next Saturday afternoon.
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez during an international friendly against Venezuela.
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images
After Fernandez’s latest international display, Argentine media praised the Chelsea star for his contribution against Venezuela.
Argentina publication TyC Sports wrote: “Enzo Fernandez – 7/10. Like Chelsea, he frequently enters the box and almost scores a header. He displayed all his magic with a twist between two opponents. One of the team’s best.”
Fernandez, who’s got a bit of everything in midfield, appears to be regaining his form and fitness.
In seven Premier League appearances this season, he’s scored three goals and created one assist. While we enjoy him making vital attacking contributions, he’s also capable of getting on the ball and dictating a football match.
Argentina star Enzo Fernandez evades tackles from Venezuela players during an international friendly.
Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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Impressive Enzo Fernandez statistics vs Venezuela
Fernandez individual numbers from his latest Argentina performance were extremely strong. In particular, FOTMOB noted that the Chelsea man completed more passes than anyone else during the international match.
Minutes played – 78
Accurate pass – 102/112 (91%)
Total shots – 0
Chances created – 1
Successful dribbles – 1/1 (100%)
Ground duels won – 3/5 (60%)
Was fouled – 2
Fouls committed – 1
Match rating – 7.4
The Blues midfield looks stacked for the 2025-26 season with the likes of Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos. They all offer something slightly different, too.
At the moment, it feels like Fernandez has locked down his starting position, whether that’s as a number 10 or a number eight.