Enzo Fernandez Reflects on Chelsea Ahead of Reunion

CHARLOTTE, FRIDAY — The round of 16 match of the 2025 Club World Cup will be a reunion for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez with his former club, Benfica. This encounter is not only about nostalgia but also a reflection for Fernandez after breaking the English transfer record.

Fernandez was purchased by Chelsea from Benfica for a staggering £107 million (Rp 2.38 trillion) in 2023. More than two years later, he, along with Chelsea, will face Benfica at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday (29/6/2025) at 03:00 WIB.

The reunion raised questions as Fernandez just arrived at Stamford Bridge Stadium. Will the transfer of the Argentine national team player be successful? Many doubt it due to the heavy burden of expectations as the most expensive player in England.

The initial concerns were proven to be valid. In the first full season of 2023-2024, Fernandez failed to demonstrate his best potential as he did with Argentina. He has not been able to contribute significantly to the "Blue" attack, while often becoming a weak point in defense.

However, Fernandez's performance has continued to improve in his second full season with the arrival of new coach Enzo Maresca. He maintained that impressive display at the Club World Cup. Fernandez has been a bright spot for Chelsea during the group stage, having scored one goal and provided two assists.

"My (contribution) numbers have been quite good in the last season. However, for me, this is just the beginning. I always want something more and to become even better. If I can do that, I will help the team. That is always on my mind," said the 24-year-old player.

The significant price that Chelsea had to pay for Fernandez is starting to be justified. The midfielder has become a source of inspiration for Maresca's team in the attacking line. His influence is even beginning to surpass that of the attacking midfielder Cole Palmer, who is currently in an inconsistent phase.

In all competitions in 2025, for example, including the Club World Cup. According to BBC Sport data, Fernandez recorded the most goals and assists at Chelsea (14). The next player closest to Fernandez's record is striker Pedro Neto (9).

Fernandez contributed a total of eight goals and six assists during 2025. He not only became a creator of attacks but was also sharp enough to execute opportunities. According to Fernandez, all of this is thanks to the freedom of role provided by the coach.

Fernandez often serves as one of the two pivots alongside Moises Caicedo in a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, he more frequently advances to support the attack. "With Maresca, I play further forward. My statistical records have also improved. Next season, I want to contribute more goals and assists," he stated.

For Chelsea's forwards, Fernandez's presence as a facilitator is very helpful to them. One of them is the new striker Liam Delap. Delap managed to score his first goal for Chelsea when facing the Tunisian team, Esperance, thanks to a pass from Fernandez.

Delap stated that he had a conversation with Fernandez to understand each other's character. "He asked me to run immediately when he got the ball. It was a great pass, and fortunately, the ball went in (for a goal)," he said.

Fernandez will once again be relied upon by the Blues when facing Benfica. Although he moved from Benfica, the midfielder's relationship with his former club is not particularly special. Fernandez only spent half a season at Benfica before being purchased by Chelsea after winning the World Cup with Argentina.

Benfica will be a new challenge for Chelsea. The Blues have not faced a team from Europe throughout the tournament. Benfica is ready to surprise the UEFA Conference League champions after winning against Bayern Munich, 1-0, in their last group stage match.

Benfica has proven to be very dangerous with veteran players such as Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi, who are Fernandez's teammates in the national team. The team, coached by Bruno Lage, advanced as the champion of Group C. In fact, that group was filled with strong teams, such as Bayern and Boca Juniors.

"We finished first and that means a lot to us. People need to have more faith in what we are doing. They talk about Boca needing to win by a large margin (if they want to advance). No one believed we would win against Bayern," said Lage.

On the other hand, Maresca is not only concerned about Benfica. He is also anticipating the hot weather currently affecting regions in the United States. "It is very important to come with full energy. It is difficult to play every three days in such weather conditions," he stated. (AP/REUTERS)