Enzo Fernández

Enzo Fernández arrived at Chelsea in January 2023 as a British record transfer — £106.8 million — and carrying the enormous weight of expectations that come with being a newly-crowned World Cup winner. The 22-year-old from San Martín, Buenos Aires had just been named Best Young Player of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after a brilliant tournament with Argentina, and Chelsea moved swiftly and expensively to secure his signature from Benfica.

Wearing the number 8 shirt, Fernández is a box-to-box midfielder in the truest sense: technically gifted, physically combative, and with the tactical intelligence to operate in multiple midfield roles. His vision in tight spaces, ability to break through the press with short combinations, and quality on the ball under pressure make him one of the most complete midfielders in Premier League football when performing at his best.

The World Cup winner's medal earned with Lionel Messi and company in Qatar was not a surprise to those who had watched his development closely. He made his Argentina debut in September 2022, just months before the tournament, and immediately looked at home in Scaloni's side — a remarkable achievement for a player barely 21 years old. His performances at the World Cup, particularly in the knockout rounds, announced him as one of South America's next great midfielders.

At Stamford Bridge, the 2025-26 season represents an important juncture. With the World Cup 2026 on the horizon and his form for both club and country under the spotlight, Fernández is determined to establish himself among the elite midfielders in Europe. His combination of youth, experience at the highest level, and technical quality means his peak years are still very much ahead of him.