Chelsea had quietly found some great form in recent months. They finished in fourth position in the Premier League, thus securing a Champions League spot for next season. Additionally, the club also won the UEFA Conference League. Now, they have got their hands on the Club World Cup trophy as well after an impressive performance against Paris Saint-Germain.
For one reason or another, Chelsea's form had gone under the radar going into the final against PSG. But after a one-sided win over the European champions, it is safe to say that football fans around the world have taken notice.
Enzo Fernandez has been a key part of the Chelsea starting XI in recent times. And just like the club, his individual form has gone unnoticed as well.
The Argentinian midfielder has gone on to play in 53 matches this campaign, scoring nine goals and providing 17 assists. However, the beginning of his career at Chelsea was far from perfect, and it looks like Fernandez also feels the same.
'Hard for me' - Enzo Fernandez makes honest Chelsea admission
The Argentine was brutally honest about his early struggles adapting to Premier League football. According to Mundo Albiceleste, Fernandez said after the win over PSG while speaking to DSports:
"The first years were hard for me, I had a bad time. I really wasn’t feeling well, I wasn’t okay with myself. I didn’t feel comfortable during matches. I had to start training more, preparing more during the week and doing extra training sessions.
“Honestly, I think the pace of the Premier League isn’t played anywhere else in the world. I couldn’t cope, in the first year, I felt like I just couldn’t keep up. I wasn’t feeling well and I even suffered injuries and everything, That’s when the work began. I started contacting trainers until I found the right one. I felt good for two or three weeks and over time, I started seeing results and feeling good on the pitch.
“Nowadays, I think I’ve achieved something very good on a personal level this season. And very good things in terms of assists, goals and titles with the club, that’s what I’d been looking for since I arrived."
Enzo Fernandez has opened up about his initial struggles at Chelsea
Chelsea signed Fernandez in January 2023, shortly after his impressive national campaign with Argentina in their 2022 FIFA World Cup win. Though the midfielder took some time to get used to the fast-paced and physical football in the Premier League, he has now successfully established himself as one of the best in his position.
Not too long ago, various clubs were reportedly interested in the player, including Spanish giants Real Madrid. But Chelsea kept their trust in Fernandez and are now reaping the rewards.
Fernandez has a contract with the Blues till 2030. At just 24 years old now, he surely has greater heights to reach at the club in the future. Sunday was sweet but the best may be yet to come.