Over the past few months, Chelsea Football Club's performance in the Premier League has undergone a significant turnaround. A 2-1 win over Brighton moved Chelsea up to sixth in the league, a stark contrast to the 11th-place they were at the end of March. The resurgence coincides with the absence of Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez due to injury, raising questions about his impact and adaptability with the team.
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Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica for a hefty €120 million transfer fee, a move that raised high expectations. However, his performance on the court did not live up to the expectations of this high price. Fernandes has played 40 games for Chelsea this season, contributing seven goals and three assists. While these numbers are not bad, they fall far short of what one would expect from such a high-priced player.
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Interestingly, Chelsea's uptick came during Bruno Fernandez's absence due to injury. The London Evening News notes that Moises Caicedo has been outstanding in Fernandes' absence. This has led a growing number of fans and commentators to believe that Chelsea could have fared better without the Argentine midfielder.
Bruno Fernandes' time at Chelsea has been marked by inconsistent and disappointing performances. Despite his potential and the spotlight he was in the spotlight when he joined, he has struggled to make a lasting impact in the Premier League. His large fan base, thanks to his association with Messi and the Argentine national team, often defends him, but the reality is a different story.
After Chelsea's poor performance at the beginning of the season, the comment "Chelsea lost, but Enzo Fernandez did not" was common on the Internet. However, that narrative has taken a huge turn as the team has excelled during his absence. Fans are now talking about a "post-Enzo Fernandez era", suggesting that the club's recent success augurs well for a bright future without him.
This is further supported by Fernandez's performance figures. In the 2023/2024 season, Fernandes played 28 games in the Premier League, scoring three goals, according to Transfermarkt. FootyStats' data shows that there is a gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals, suggesting that his performance in key moments has been inconsistent.
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While it would be unfair to blame Bruno Fernandes entirely for Chelsea's woes, it is clear that his presence has not become the transformative force that many would expect. The team's performance with and without him contrasts sharply, raising legitimate questions about his fit in the team.
Overall, Enzo Fernandez's tenure at Chelsea has been disappointing so far. His transfer fee is not in line with his contribution on the pitch, and his absence coincides with a significant improvement in the team's record. As Chelsea continue to climb the ladder in the Premier League, it is becoming increasingly clear that Fernandes may not be the right fit for the club. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to turn things around, but the evidence so far suggests that Chelsea may be more likely to focus on other talents who can propel their success.
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