In Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, Chelsea have two of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
It is no surprise, then, that the former is starting to attract interest from some of Chelsea’s European rivals.
It has already been claimed that Chelsea are not against the idea of selling Fernandez as the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain circle.
Should Chelsea sell Enzo Fernandez to buy Elliot Anderson?
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With that in mind, who could replace the Argentine if he does leave Stamford Bridge in the summer?
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest runs with the ball
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Elliot Anderson the ideal Enzo Fernandez replacement
One midfielder who has been linked with a move to west London is Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.
Last week, it was reported that Anderson is on Chelsea’s shortlist, and it is not hard to understand why. The 23-year-old has the attributes to replace Fernandez.
For example, Anderson is able to pass the ball forward and through the lines, just as Fernandez does. In fact, statistically, the Englishman even does it more frequently than the man he could end up succeeding.
According to FBref, Anderson is making 7.05 progressive passes per 90 minutes, which puts him in the 87th percentile among midfielders. Fernandez, on the other hand, is making 6.97.
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Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea celebrates scoring
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Anderson also makes significantly more tackles than Fernandez, executing 2.63 per 90 minutes. Fernandez is only making 1.57 and is in the 24th percentile as a result.
Ultimately, a Chelsea midfield pairing of Anderson and Caicedo would likely be harder to bypass than the current duo of Caicedo and Fernandez.
Agreeing a transfer fee could be a sticking point after it was claimed that Forest want as much as £120m for Anderson. However, Chelsea need to be all over him should they part ways with Fernandez.
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea looks on during the warm up
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Chelsea should resist offers for Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea would be wise to keep hold of Fernandez. After settling at Stamford Bridge, he has become one of his side’s best players.
Fernandez offers a lot. The Argentina international can operate in a deep midfield position where he is able to control games, while he can also start in a more advanced role and cause problems in the opposition’s box.
Enzo Maresca reaped the rewards for playing Fernandez as an attacking midfielder and by allowing him to roam forward, with the World Cup winner scoring some big goals under the Italian. His crucial header in Chelsea’s 4-1 win against Real Betis in last season’s Conference League final instantly comes to mind.
Fernandez is not the perfect midfielder, but Chelsea are a stronger team with him in it.
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