"It has not always been straightforward for Fernandez, who joined Chelsea shortly after being named best young player at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as he helped Argentina lifted the trophy for a third time. During his first 18 months in west London, he struggled to live up to that reputation. His first manager, Graham Potter, was sacked after failing to manage a bloated squad that could not even fit into the dressing room at the training ground,"
"Alongside his club commitments, Fernandez has played in an international tournament in every season since joining Chelsea, with regular trips to South America during international breaks also having to be managed. The 25-year-old has also only recently become confident enough in his English to communicate effectively with team-mates and staff. The adaptation has been gradual, but Chelsea now appear to have the player they believed they were signing from Benfica in 2023 for what was then a British transfer record fee of 107m."
Enzo Fernandez emerged as Chelsea’s leading attacking influence in 2025, topping goals, assists and chances created. He reached 10 goals early in 2026 and scored a Champions League penalty to aid progression to the last 16. Fernandez will make his 150th Chelsea appearance against West Ham. His early time at the club included struggles: adaptation after a high-profile World Cup rise, a painful hernia, criticism over mobility in the Premier League, managerial upheaval and heavy international commitments. Gradual improvement, better English communication and fitness have helped him approach the form Chelsea paid a record fee for.
Read at www.bbc.com
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