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Former Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi has reached out to current player, Enzo Fernandez, offering guidance after the Argentine’s impressive display in Chelsea’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Mikel Obi emphasized the importance of Fernandez’s contributions as the Blues aim to reclaim glory in the 2024-2025 Premier League season.
In that high-stakes match, Fernandez notched his third goal in just four league appearances, showcasing his growing confidence and prowess on the field.
Having joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a staggering fee of £107 million, Fernandez’s recent performances are beginning to justify that hefty investment.
In the match against Tottenham, Fernandez was a standout, completing an impressive 49 out of 51 passes, a testament to his precision and vision.
Moreover, he created a significant scoring opportunity, registered two shots on target, and showcased his tenacity by winning five out of ten duels throughout the game. These statistics underscore his vital role in the team’s attacking and defensive efforts.
During an interview on Stadium Astro, Mikel, who is regarded as a Chelsea legend, praised Fernandez’s development but also reminded him of the responsibilities that come with his role.
Mikel noted the early struggles Fernandez faced at the start of the season, where his performances fell below expectations and drew criticism from fans and pundits alike. He acknowledged that the coaching staff, recognizing these struggles, decided to rest him momentarily to allow him to regain his form.
“Sometimes you need that kick up your backside to get you to wake up,” Mikel stated, referring to Fernandez’s initial difficulties. He added, “The manager took him out of the firing line to protect him a little bit. Now, he’s brought him back into the team, and you can see his stats there – fantastic.”
Mikel ended his comments with a call for Fernandez to embrace his role as captain, urging him to lead by example on the pitch. “He’s been fantastic since coming back into the team, and he is the captain right now. We need him to lead by example on the pitch,” he asserted.
