"About time you all respect him", "Silencing all the dumb doubters" - Chelsea fans thrilled by display from 23-year-old in 2-1 win vs Leicester
Chelsea fans on X heaped praise on midfielder Enzo Fernandez following his incredible display against Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday, November 23. The Argentine midfielder stole the show as his goal contributions earned the Blues victory against the Foxes at the King Power Stadium.
Chelsea started asserting their supremacy early on in the match by dictating proceedings. Their efforts paid off as Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring in the 15th minute. The Senegalese got the better of Wout Faes before collecting the ball from Fernandez and finishing clinically.
In the 75th minute, Enzo Fernandez got himself on the scoresheet as he nodded home a parried effort from goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Jordan Ayew reduced the deficit for the hosts in stoppage time after assuming responsibility from the spot. Chelsea held on to their lead in the last few minutes of the game to secure a 2-1 victory.
Enzo Fernandez was really impressive in the afternoon. He had 79 touches, registered three shots with one on target, made three key passes, and registered 47 accurate passes out of an attempted 56. He also won seven duels out of an attempted nine and also made five tackles. As per Sofascore, he had a rating of 9.0, his highest-rated Premier League display of his career. He was deservedly named the Player of the Match.
Here is how fans reacted to his performance on X. One fan wrote:
''It about time you all respect him! An incredible player''
''Absolutely love to see Enzo Fernandez silencing all the dumb doubters with these fantastic performances over the past few games!'' @CFCAccountable chimed in
''Immense, lively and world class as usual. Top quality'' @CFCLamps_ wrote
''He's proving a point and he has won the debate'' @CFC_thedragon opined
''Enzo Fernandez has 6 assists and a goal in his last 4 matches.'' @CFCPys pointed out
''Been incredible this game'' @Remixxxfn commented
''This Enzo Fernandez redemption arc I'm all here for it'' @cfcmasi wrote
''Enzo Fernandez (23) vs Leicester… 84% pass accuracy, 78% ground duels won, 7/9, 5 recoveries, 3 chances created, 1 goal + 1 assist, Captain's performance. @eurofootcom pointed out his stats
Enzo Fernandez's goal and assist today makes it the first time he has scored and assisted in a Premier League game. The Argentine has either scored or assisted in his last three appearances for Chelsea across competitions.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca on Enzo Fernandez's performance
Enzo Maresca gave his assessment of Enzo Fernandez’s performance after his side’s victory against the Foxes. Maresca heaped praise on the Argentine midfielder but says he’s trying to convince him to revolutionize his function by being a threat in the opposition’s box.
Enzo Fernandez's playing minutes have been reduced lately in the Premier League. He came on as a substitute in the Blues' last three matches in the league. Given the opportunity to start today, he impressed and gave his side the three points against Leicester.
In the post-match conference, Enzo Maresca said (via Football London):
"Enzo did very well today. He is doing well since we started. It depends on the game-plan, we use different type of players. I think he did very well. I'm trying to convince Enzo in the way I did last year with Ndidi and Kiernan that attacking midfielders have to come into the box and today he did.’’
Chelsea will next be in action against Bundesliga side Heidenheim away in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday, November 28.