Enzo Fernandez continues to go from strength to strength in Chelsea colours.
It is fair to point out that Enzo Fernandez, 24, has dealt with a fair bit of criticism since his move from Benfica to Chelsea in February 2023, but he’s now emerged as a key figure at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentine star is a mainstay in Enzo Maresca’s starting line-up, excelling in his role as a box-to-box central midfielder.
Fernandez is not in Argentina’s squad for the upcoming international break next month, which should give him the perfect opportunity to rest, as his schedule has been action-packed for the last year. Incidentally, he’s been left out of his nation’s squad because he’s suspended for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Chelsea's players celebrate a goal against West Ham in the Premier League.
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Troy Deeney predicts Enzo Fernandez will break double digits for goals this season
Last Friday, Fernandez scored his first goal of the season as Chelsea thrashed rivals West Ham 5-1 away from home in the Premier League.
Troy Deeney included the Blues star in his Premier League Team of the Week after his performance against the Hammers. In fact, he’s predicted that the midfielder will score at least 10 goals this season, which would be a personal record for the player.
Deeny told BBC Sport: “Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea): Scored a goal and he’s going to be the one that scores 10-12 goals because he just keeps creeping from midfield. Excellent running, excellent captain’s performance. He was excellent, Chelsea were excellent and when Cole Palmer goes down, he’s the one to take the lead and goes on again.”
Player Club
Jordan Pickford Everton
Michael Kayode Brentford
Micky van de Ven Tottenham
Hjalmar Ekdal Burnley
Jurrien Timber Arsenal
Bruno Guimaraes Newcastle United
Enzo Fernandez Chelsea
Jack Grealish Everton
Brennan Johnson Tottenham
Joao Pedro Chelsea
Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal
Troy Deeney’s Premier League Team of the Week
Pundit Troy Deeney during game between Newcastle and Arsenal
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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Back in June, Fernandez insisted he needs to score and assist more in Maresca’s team. He’s certainly started to master the art of arriving in the penalty box, so we’re confident that he can be a regular scorer this term.
He scored nine Chelsea goals across all competitions last season, which was a slight improvement on seven goals across all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign.
Fernandez has the licence to roam forward and join the attack, so we agree that he’ll score 10+ goals in a season for the first time in his Chelsea career.
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammate Joao Pedro
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Troy Deeney claims Joao Pedro just looks like a Chelsea player
While Fernandez took a bit of time to settle at Chelsea, Joao Pedro has done the complete opposite since his summer arrival from Brighton.
Deeney raved about the Brazilian attacker following one goal and two assists in Chelsea’s demolition of West Ham a few days ago.
After naming the Blues attacker in his Team of the Week, Deeney told BBC Sport: “Joao Pedro (Chelsea): Goals, assists for Chelsea again, against a poor West Ham team. He looks really composed, he looks like he’s meant to be at Chelsea. He could’ve had a few more if players had passed to him but a solid performance from him.”
Ally McCoist thinks Chelsea have played a blinder by signing Pedro, who’s scored four goals in his first five competitive appearances for them.