Chelsea are beginning to make progress, with the appointment of Enzo Maresca trying like, with time, it might raise Stamford Bridge and its inhabitants again into the limelight.

Mauricio Pochettino deserves credit score for lifting the membership from its wretched misfortunes in 2022/23 and restoring Chelsea’s place in European soccer, however Manchester United’s FA Cup victory in Could meant {that a} sixth-placed end within the Premier League yielded solely Convention League soccer.

Todd Boehly and Co have since sought to revolutionise the primary workforce and produce within the requisite firepower to problem on the higher finish of home and continental competitors.

Chelsea’s shiny new frontline has a lot potential, however it must be fuelled by a safe and dynamic midfield, and whereas Enzo Fernandez matches that mould, the Argentina worldwide nonetheless has a lot to show.

Why Chelsea signed Enzo Fernandez

Fernandez was one of many assertion early signings at Boehly and Clearlake’s Chelsea, becoming a member of from SL Benfica in a deal value £107m, which was a British report till the Blues signed Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion for £115m a year-and-a-half later.

Fernandez alighted on English shores nonetheless giddy from important acclaim over within the Gulf, having skyrocketed to prominence together with his nation on the 2022 World Cup, successful the Younger Participant of the Event en path to successful the gold medal.

Hailed as a “game-changer” by journalist Roy Nemur, Fernandez’s technical means and intelligence forged him in richer waters than that of his positional rivals, dotted across the globe and eyeing a spot at one of many greatest establishments.

Even now, approaching the two-year mark in west London, Fernandez’s passing and overarching affect are clear. As per FBref, the 23-year-old ranks among the many high 9% of central midfielders throughout Europe’s high 5 leagues over the previous 12 months for passes tried and the highest 18% for progressive passes per 90.

However has he actually been a hit-the-jackpot type of signing? Variables should be thought-about; Fernandez stepped into turbulent situations at Stamford Bridge as an up-and-coming midfielder, however for £107m, you’d wish to get bang on your buck from the off.

You could possibly make a compelling case that Fernandez isn’t actually going from energy to energy in the best way that might have been envisaged, craved.

Particularly since he is not precisely a spring hen in Chelsea’s squad any longer. Since signing from Benfica, the South American has accomplished 67 appearances, scoring seven targets and helping six extra.

Throughout the opening matches of the present marketing campaign, he is been sturdy in defence however his passing has been uncharacteristically wayward, and he is not even been significantly inventive or progressive, albeit taking part in the opening fixture in opposition to Manchester Metropolis in a quantity ten position.

In concept, Fernandez is the prototypical midfielder for Maresca’s system, for he has a elegant vary of passing and the robustness to supercharge the engine, make it purr, and allow the attacking success of stars comparable to Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson.

However extra must be executed with the intention to wrap all of it collectively and raise Chelsea to the specified place within the Premier League and certainly within the Champions League.

Fernandez is contracted to Stamford Bridge till the tip of the 2031/32 season, so time is on his facet. However on £180k per week and as but failing to show himself worthy of such a price ticket – amortisation or not – he wants to enhance, particularly since his current market worth is on the slide.

Enzo Fernandez’s market worth in 2024/25

Fernandez continues to be a extremely valued member of Chelsea’s first workforce, however there is not any disputing his gradual depreciation since signing, a by-product of the on-pitch performances which have, at one stage, led Wesley Sneijder to launch a diatribe in opposition to him.

The retired Dutch footballer mentioned in 2023: “When you have been introduced in as a participant for £100million then you’ll be able to at the least count on that he’ll run his lungs out, proper?

“However he walked! He loses the ball himself, then he has a second of mourning. You see Enzo, a £100m buy, trudge a bit whereas Gallagher runs previous him.”

However how far has Fernandez’s market worth truly fallen? Effectively, in accordance with Soccer Transfers‘ valuation mannequin, he’s presently value simply £42m, surpassed by the prodigious Palmer for the honour of the membership’s most dear participant.

This can be a surprising monetary nosedive in all honesty, equating to a £65m drop, which is more cash than the Blues spent on Joao Felix and Pedro Neto, individually, this summer season.

Look, this can be a high-class participant. A midfielder who shot to the highest after an unbelievable begin to life in Benfica after which with the Argentinian nationwide workforce, however there is not any disguising the troubles at Chelsea that demand an increase to the subsequent stage this 12 months, lest he be consigned to a listing of high-cost misfires.

There’s nonetheless time for Fernandez to be successful, however he now must make it occur…