The Evolution of Enzo Fernández | OneFootball

For much of his early tenure at Stamford Bridge, Enzo Fernández was a player defined more by his price tag than his positioning. To his critics, he was a high-volume passer in a low-functioning system. But as we move through February 2026, the narrative has shifted. Fernández is no longer just a participant in Chelsea’s midfield, he is its architect.

The numbers suggest a player operating at the peak of his creative powers. Currently, the 25-year-old ranks second in the Premier League for open-play chances created and third for through-balls.

These aren’t just “safe” lateral passes, they are high-value, line-breaking deliveries that have become the hallmark of Liam Rosenior’s tactical setup.

The Argentine Exception

While Chelsea fans are beginning to appreciate Fernández’s refined role, the view from South America is even more definitive. Argentina’s coaching staff, led by Lionel Scaloni, has reportedly expressed “significant concern” regarding the dipping form of several World Cup veterans. According to Esteban Edul, Fernández—alongside Lisandro Martínez—is one of the only players considered “exempt” from this scrutiny.

This sentiment was echoed by legendary broadcaster Mariano Closs, who recently told ESPN Argentina: “Enzo Fernández is the best Argentine player we have today. On the pitch, he’s the best I’ve seen lately.”

Tactical Versatility: The “Enzo Square”

One of the primary drivers of Fernández’s resurgence has been his liberation from the “six” role. During his first eighteen months, Fernández was often tasked with being a defensive anchor, a role that stifled his natural instinct to influence the final third.

Under the current regime, he has been re-profiled. As noted in recent tactical breakdowns, Fernández is now utilized as a hybrid “eight” or “ten,” depending on the opposition. He has become a “tactical master,” a player who can dictate the tempo from deep or arrive late in the box—a trait he admits he is molding after Chelsea’s most iconic goal-scoring midfielder.

“I want to follow in Frank Lampard’s footsteps,” Fernández told Sky Sports in a recent exclusive. “I’ve watched a lot of videos of Frank… how he got into the last metres of the pitch. I hope to win a lot more trophies here.”

Resilience and Leadership

The journey hasn’t been linear. Fernández has navigated a managerial carousel, personal challenges, and the immense pressure of a British record transfer fee. Yet, his durability remains unmatched. Since January 2023, no Chelsea player has featured in more matches.

His leadership was perhaps most visible in the wake of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi-final exit to Arsenal. Despite the “anger” of the defeat, Fernández remained the vocal leader of a young squad. “It’s gone from worse to better,” he reflected. “Being here today makes me very happy. I’m very connected to the club.”

Fernández arrived at Stamford Bridge on January 31, 2023, for a then-British record fee of just under $139M (£106.8 million).

While the price tag initially weighed heavy, he has since evolved into the centerpiece of Chelsea’s oft-maligned project. Since his arrival, the Blue have won the 2025 UEFA Conference League and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

His 2025/26 stats confirm his elite status:

“I want to keep winning things here, because that’s what this shirt demands,” Enzo recently told Sky Sports.