Enzo Fernández

Enzo Jeremías Fernández (born 17 January 2001), known mononymously as Enzo, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a central-midfielder for Premier League club Chelsea and the Argentina national team.

Enzo Fernández
Fernández with Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Personal information
Full name Enzo Jeremías Fernández[1]
Date of birth (2001-01-17) 17 January 2001
Place of birth Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)[2]
Position(s) central midfielder, defensive midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Chelsea
Number 8
Youth career
Club La Recova
2007–2019 River Plate
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2019–2022 River Plate 40 (10)
2020–2021 → Defensa y Justicia (loan) 14 (0)
2022–2023 Benfica 17 (1)
2023– Chelsea 27 (0)
International career‡
2019 Argentina U18 2 (0)
2022– Argentina 17 (3)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Argentina
FIFA World Cup
Winner2022 Qatar
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:58, 7 October 2023 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 03:26, 18 October 2023 (UTC)

As an academy graduate of River Plate, Fernández made his first-team debut for the club in 2019, before spending two seasons on loan with Defensa y Justicia. There, he enjoyed a successful campaign which culminated in him winning the Copa Sudamericana and Recopa Sudamericana, before returning to River Plate in 2021. Following his return, Fernández established himself as an integral player for the club, and won the 2021 Argentine Primera División. He joined Portuguese Primeira Liga side Benfica in the summer of 2022. Having played only six months for Benfica, he was purchased by Premier League club Chelsea in January 2023 for a British-record transfer fee.

An Argentine international, Fernández previously represented his country at under-18 level before making his senior international debut. He represented Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, playing an important role in helping his country win their third title, while also winning the tournament's Young Player Award.[3]

Club career

Early career

Born in San Martín, Buenos Aires, to Raúl and Marta; Fernández has four brothers, Seba, Rodri, Maxi and Gonza.[4] He was introduced to football at a young age, playing for a local side called Club La Recova, before joining River Plate.[4][5] It is unclear exactly when Fernández joined River Plate; in November 2019, in an interview for the River Plate website, he claimed to have joined the academy in 2005,[4] in September 2020, Argentine newspaper Clarín reported that he joined River in 2006,[5] while in February 2023, he claimed he was six when he joined in an interview for the Chelsea website, which would have most likely been in 2007.[6]

He progressed through the youth ranks, and was promoted into the club's first-team by manager Marcelo Gallardo on 27 January 2019, in a 3–1 home loss to Patronato in the Primera División, despite remaining on the bench.[2] He made his first-team debut on 4 March 2020, replacing Santiago Sosa in the 75th minute of a 3–0 loss to L.D.U. Quito in the Copa Libertadores.[2] In the weeks prior, he scored once, in the 6–1 thrashing of Libertad, in four games at the 2020 U-20 Copa Libertadores in Paraguay.[2]

2020–21: Loan to Defensa y Justicia

Despite being sporadically used Fernández's manager advised him to leave the club on loan, in order to continue his development.[7] In August, Fernández was loaned to fellow top-flight club Defensa y Justicia.[2][8] He made his debut for the Halcón on 18 September by manager Hernán Crespo in a 3–0 win over Delfín in the Copa Libertadores.[2][9] Despite initially not being a starter, his performances impressed his manager and eventually he earned a place in the team, helping the club win the 2020 Copa Sudamericana, starting in the 3–0 win over fellow Argentinian side Lanús in the final, winning his first career title.[7]

2021–22: First-team breakthrough

After impressing on loan, Fernández returned to River Plate, during the season at the request of manager Marcelo Gallardo, making his return on 15 July 2021, in the first leg of Copa Libertadores round-of-16, featuring in the 1–1 home draw to fellow Argentinian side Argentinos Juniors.[7] He immediately became a starter and on 14 August, he scored his first goal for the club and provided an assist in a 2–0 win over Vélez Sarsfield in the Primera División.[7] On 20 December, he agreed to a contract extension to 2025.[10] Following a promising start in the 2022 season, which he scored eight goals and provided six assists in 19 games, Fernández was named the best active footballer in Argentina, being subsequently scouted by a number of established European teams.[7][11][12][13]

Benfica
Fernández with Benfica in 2022

On 23 June 2022, River Plate reached an agreement with Primeira Liga team Benfica for the transfer of Fernández for a €10 million fee for 75% of his economic rights plus €8 million in add-ons, but with the player remaining at River Plate until the end of the club's Copa Libertadores campaign.[14][15] Following River Plate's round of 16 exit from the Copa Libertadores, on 14 July, Benfica confirmed the deal,[16] being given the number 13 shirt, previously worn by club legend Eusébio.[17]

He made his debut for the club on 2 August, scoring his first goal for the club, a half-volley from outside the penalty area, in a 4–1 home win over Midtjylland in the first leg of the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. He then scored in Benfica's next matches: a 4–0 home win over Arouca in the Primeira Liga, and a 3–1 away win over Midtjylland in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.[18] His impressive performances continued throughout the month and following a run of five consecutive wins and three clean sheets, he was named the Primeira Liga's Midfielder of the Month,[19] a feat which was repeated for the months of October and November.[20] He was linked with a move to Chelsea in the January 2023 transfer window, and the club was adamant he wouldn't be sold for less than his €121m release clause.[21][22]

Chelsea

Chelsea purchased Fernández for a package worth £106.8 million after a final agreement between the two clubs was reached on 31 January 2023. He signed an eight-and-a-half-year contract, valid until 2031.[23] Negotiations lasted for more than ten hours and were led by Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali. The fee paid by Chelsea was, at the time, a British-record transfer deal. Benfica received an initial £30 million installment which will be followed by five further payments.[24][25]

He made his debut in the Premier League on 3 February at home against Fulham and played 90 minutes.[26] On 11 February, Enzo registered an assist for the team's only goal in a 1–1 league draw at West Ham United.[27] He scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 2–1 win over AFC Wimbledon in the second round of the EFL Cup on 30 August 2023.[28]

International career

On 24 July 2019, Fernández was selected by the Argentina U18s manager Esteban Solari to represent his nation at the 2019 COTIF Tournament in Spain.[4][29] On 3 November 2021, he was called up by Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni for two 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay.[7] He made his senior team debut on 24 September 2022, by coming on as a 64th-minute substitute for Leandro Paredes in a 3–0 win against Honduras.[30]

On 11 November, he was named in Argentina's 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[31] After coming on for Guido Rodríguez in the 57th minute, on 26 November, Fernández scored his first international goal, closing Argentina's 2–0 group stage win against Mexico.[32] In doing so, he became the second youngest player ever (only behind Lionel Messi) to score a World Cup goal for Argentina at 21 years, ten months and thirteen days old.[33] On 3 December, he achieved a rather not so famous record, becoming the youngest own goal scorer in the history of Argentina in the FIFA World Cup, in the round of sixteen match against Australia, when his attempt to block Craig Goodwin's shot deflected into his team's net as Argentina beat Australia 2–1.[34] After defeating Croatia 3–0 in the semi-final, Fernández played in the final against France, where Argentina won the World Cup by a score of 4–2 on penalties.[35] He was named the best young player of the tournament.[36]

Style of play
Fernández playing for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Fernández has been noted for his ability to break up play and recycle possession.

A versatile midfielder, Fernández usually plays as a deep-lying playmaker, responsible for breaking up play, dictating the tempo, and recycling possession, while he is also a capable attacking midfielder. Although he prefers operating centrally, he can be seen occupying the left half-space assisted by a defensive midfield partner, like his former Benfica team-mate, Florentino Luís.[37]

Fernández plays quick short passes, accurate long passes, and lobbed balls. He is combative in his midfield duels, protects spaces and his backline efficiently, possesses good passing range and vision. He can dribble into dangerous territory or out of it. He thrives in receiving the ball in tight spaces and is press-resistant. He is adept at breaking defensive lines with his passes, playing through balls, as well as recycling possession in the midfield. Out of possession, Fernández looks to proactively disrupt opposition attack, anticipate and intercept passes.[38][39][40][41]

Personal life

Fernández is named after three-time Copa América winner and former River Plate player Enzo Francescoli, due to his father Raúl's fascination with the Uruguayan. In a interview, he said that his favorite player is Lionel Messi, but the first player he knew when he touched football is Brazilian legend Endazo.footballer.[5]

Fernández is married to fellow Argentine Valentina Cervantes, with whom he has a daughter, born in 2020. In May 2023 they announced that they are expecting their second child together. [42]

Career statistics

Club
As of match played 21 October 2023[2][43]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[lower-alpha 1] League cup[lower-alpha 2] Continental Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
River Plate 2019–20[2] Argentine Primera División 0000—1[lower-alpha 3]0—10
2021[2] Argentine Primera División 20200—3[lower-alpha 3]01[lower-alpha 4]0242
2022[2] Argentine Primera División 20800—6[lower-alpha 3]2002610
Total 40100000102105112
Defensa y Justicia (loan) 2020–21[2] Argentine Primera División 4[nb 1]0201010[lower-alpha 5]1—171
2021[2] Argentine Primera División 10000—4[lower-alpha 3]02[lower-alpha 6]0160
Total 140201014120331
Benfica 2022–23[2] Primeira Liga 17131009[lower-alpha 7]2—294
Chelsea 2022–23[2] Premier League 180——4[lower-alpha 7]0—220
2023–24[2] Premier League 900021——111
Total 27000214000331
Career total 981151313753014618
  1. Includes Copa Argentina, Taça de Portugal
  2. Includes Copa de la Liga Profesional, EFL Cup
  3. Appearance(s) in Copa Libertadores
  4. Appearance in Trofeo de Campeones
  5. Four appearances in Copa Libertadores, six appearances and one goal in Copa Sudamericana
  6. Appearances in Recopa Sudamericana
  7. Appearances in UEFA Champions League

International
As of match played 17 October 2023[44]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Argentina 2022101
202372
Total173
As of match played 12 September 2023
Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Fernández goal.[44]
List of international goals scored by Enzo Fernández
No.DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetition
126 November 2022Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail, Qatar5 Mexico2–02–02022 FIFA World Cup
228 March 2023Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades, Santiago del Estero, Argentina12 Curaçao4–07–0Friendly
312 September 2023Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz, Bolivia15 Bolivia1–03–02026 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

Defensa y Justicia

River Plate

Argentina

Individual

Notes
  1. Soccerway counts Copa de la Liga Profesional appearances as league appearances.

References
  1. "FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Squad list: Argentina (ARG)" (PDF). FIFA. 15 November 2022. p. 1. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  2. "Argentina – E. Fernández". Soccerway. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  3. "Argentina World Cup 2022 squad, predicted line-up versus France and star players". Goal.
  4. Sargazazu, Rubén. "Enzo Fernández: 'En River tenés que tener una actitud mental ganadora'". River Plate. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  5. Uria, Maximiliano (26 September 2020). "Enzo Fernández, el juvenil de River que brilla en la Copa Libertadores para Defensa y Justicia". Clarín. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  6. "Enzo Fernandez interview – the Argentina years". chelseafc.com. 21 February 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  7. "Enzo Fernández: o "herdeiro" de Francescoli que convence rapidamente". Mais Futebol. 23 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  8. "Fernández: "Esta oportunidad que me da Defensa es muy importante"". Vavel. 4 September 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  9. "Copa Libertadores. Enzo Fernández: la joya del semillero de River que se lució en Defensa y Justicia". La Nación. 24 September 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  10. "Enzo Fernández renewed until 2025 with a million-dollar clause". ole.com.ar. 20 December 2021.
  11. "Enzo Fernández, con el ADN de River, despierta interés en Europa". 11 April 2022.
  12. "Reportagem: Tales Torraga – Na mira do Real e da Argentina para a Copa: Quem é o novo craque do River".
  13. "Enzo Fernández, el que hace jugar y gritar a River". 24 April 2022.
  14. "Oficial: Benfica tem princípio de acordo por Enzo Fernández". MaisFutebol (in Portuguese). 23 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  15. "Agora é oficial e com moldes diferentes do esperado: Benfica com 'princípio de acordo' para contratar Enzo Fernández". Observador (in Portuguese). 23 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  16. "Enzo Fernández is a Benfica player!". S.L. Benfica. 14 July 2022. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  17. "Eusébio 'Ajudou' Enzo Fernández A Escolher O Número". A Bola (in Portuguese). 14 July 2022. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
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  25. "Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea sign midfielder in £106.8m British-record transfer deal from Benfica". Sky Sports. 1 February 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  26. "Chelsea's attacking woe vs. Fulham overshadows bright debut by record signee Enzo Fernandez". ESPN.com. 3 February 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  27. Johnston, Neil (11 February 2023). "West Ham United 1–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  28. "Report: Chelsea 2–1 AFC Wimbledon". Chelsea F.C. 30 August 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  29. "Con Enzo Fernández entre los posibles citados, la Sub 18 defenderá el Torneo de L'Alcúdia". La Página Millonaria. 19 July 2019. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  30. "Messi bisa na estreia de Enzo Fernández". 24 September 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  31. "Lista de la Selección Argentina para el Mundial de Qatar 2022" (in Spanish). TyC Sports. 11 November 2022. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
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  34. Cawthorne, Andrew; Schomberg, William (3 December 2022). "Messi helps Argentina past Australia into World Cup quarter-finals". Reuters. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  35. "Argentina 3–3 France (Argentina wins 4–2 on penalties)". FIFA. 18 December 2022.
  36. Clark, Gill (18 December 2022). "Argentina's Enzo Fernandez wins World Cup 2022 Young Player of the Tournament". Goal (website).
  37. Connolly, Martin (9 February 2023). "Analytical look at Chelsea's record signing, Enzo Fernández". We Ain't Got No History. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023.
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  43. "Ficha Estadistica de ENZO FERNANDEZ". BDFA. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
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