Jason Cundy showered one Chelsea player with huge praise after his contribution to the win against Copenhagen.
On Thursday evening, the Blues recorded an important 2-1 away victory in the first leg of their last-16 tie in the Conference League. It means they’ll be big favourites to progress to the quarter-finals in next week’s second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea went into a two-goal lead during a much better second-half performance, but Copenhagen’s late goal keeps the tie alive for the Danish club.
Thankfully, Malo Gusto’s injury problem isn’t serious because he’s expected to be fit for the weekend’s Premier League clash against Leicester City despite coming off injured against Copenhagen.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jason Cundy applauds Enzo Fernandez for impact as a Chelsea substitute
Jason Cundy thought Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez was the difference-maker in Thursday’s win over Copenhagen.
Blues manager Enzo Maresca made a triple substitution at half-time when the score was goalless, including the introduction of Fernandez. The 24-year-old midfielder vindicated the decision by scoring his team’s second goal after the opener from Reece James.
Cundy said via Chelsea’s official app (7:05pm, 6 March): “Enzo has added something to our game. There is no doubt about that. He’s given us that little bit more guile. He’s given us that bit more of a presence and a bit more creativity. He’s starting to pull the strings.”
Cundy later added after Fernandez’s goal (7:10pm): “Enzo Fernandez just guides it with his instep towards the open gaping goal. He’s been a real asset since the substitutions have been made. He’s filled that void I felt we needed. He gets his goal.”
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For Fernandez, it’s now five goals and eight assists across all competitions this campaign. The Argentine star is proving on a consistent basis he can play a major role in the team’s offensive threat.
Minutes played Goals Touches Accurate passes Chances created Recoviers Dribbled past Match rating
45 1 50 43/43 (100%) 1 2 1 7.6
Enzo Fernandez’s performance vs Copenhagen via FOTMOB
Chelsea fans think Fernandez is instrumental as he continues to grow into a real leader in this young group.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Joe Cole impressed by Enzo Fernandez vs Copenhagen
Similarly, former Chelsea star Joe Cole was a big fan of what he saw from Fernandez on the Conference League stage.
Cole told TNT Sports 4 (7:40pm, 6 March): “He (Fernandez) does drive the press very well, he’s an organiser. You watch him play live and you see that. Chelsea missed that in the first half.”
It’s quite evident that Fernandez is a key figure right now in the centre of the park for the Blues. While the team lacked any real creative threat in the opening 45 minutes against Copenhagen, that completed changed when their South American maestro entered the action.
He’s piece by piece beginning to look more and more like a £100m-rated player.