Fernandez flying ahead of Benfica reunion

FOR a long while Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez struggled under the weight of his hefty price tag but as he prepares to face his former side Benfica tonight in the Club World Cup, he is finally showing why the Blues splashed out on him.

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The 24-year-old set up two goals in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Esperance of Tunisia which sent his team through to the last 16 and a date with the Portuguese giants in Charlotte this weekend.

With England international Cole Palmer struggling for form, Fernandez has been Chelsea’s key creative influence over the past few months.

The Argentina star helped the Londoners qualify for the Champions League by claiming fourth place in the Premier League, as well as winning the Conference League in May.

After Real Betis took the lead in the final, Fernandez inspired Chelsea’s comeback by netting their first goal in an eventual 4-1 triumph in Poland.

In 2025, Fernandez has scored and assisted a total of 14 goals, with Pedro Neto the next highest producer at Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea with nine, and Palmer lagging behind with eight, along with youngster Tyrique George.