Which Chelsea Star Does Jamie Carragher Call One of the Best in the Premier League?

Chelsea’s significant investment in players has often been scrutinised, but Jamie Carragher believes they have struck gold with Enzo Fernandez, who is now among the top talents in the Premier League. The Argentine midfielder scored the decisive goal in a thrilling 3-2 comeback win against West Ham, marking his 11th goal of the season and showcasing his evolving role in the team.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Chelsea's impressive run under manager Liam Rosenior continues as they secured a dramatic victory over West Ham, showcasing their resilience after falling behind 2-0. Enzo Fernandez was pivotal in this match, scoring in stoppage time to clinch the win, further solidifying his status as a key player for the Blues. His performance not only highlights his goal-scoring ability but also raises questions about his role on the pitch, with Carragher suggesting he has outgrown his initial categorisation as a holding midfielder.

Key takeaways

Enzo Fernandez scored the winning goal in Chelsea's 3-2 victory over West Ham.
Fernandez has now netted 11 goals this season across all competitions.
Jamie Carragher ranks Fernandez among the best midfielders in the Premier League.
Manager Liam Rosenior emphasises Fernandez's importance to the team's strategy.
Chelsea's spending on midfielders has started to pay off, according to pundits.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the beginning of the 2023 season, Chelsea has made significant moves to reshape their squad. Here are key milestones:

January 2023: Enzo Fernandez signed from Benfica for £106.8 million.
August 2023: Chelsea begins the season under new management with Liam Rosenior.
October 2023: Fernandez scores his 11th goal of the season in a comeback win against West Ham.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Fernandez's recent goal against West Ham has sparked renewed discussions about his role in the Chelsea squad, with analysts highlighting his versatility and potential as a forward-thinking midfielder. This is a shift from his original perception as a deeper-lying player.

What was already established

Chelsea has faced criticism for their heavy spending without corresponding success on the pitch. However, Fernandez's contributions have begun to validate the club's financial decisions, especially in the midfield area.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As Chelsea continues to perform well, there is a boost in local business around Stamford Bridge, with increased footfall on match days. This can positively affect local economies and fan engagement.

Businesses and jobs

The success of players like Fernandez can influence Chelsea's commercial partnerships and sponsorship opportunities, potentially leading to job creation within the club and associated businesses.

Policy and regulation

Football clubs are under scrutiny regarding financial fair play regulations, particularly with high spending. Chelsea's approach will be closely monitored to ensure compliance with both domestic and European regulations.

Numbers that matter

£106.8 million: The fee Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez, making him one of the most expensive signings in football history.
11 goals: Fernandez's tally this season across all competitions, showcasing his scoring ability from midfield.
3-2: The scoreline of Chelsea's recent match against West Ham, demonstrating their capability to come back from a deficit.
25: The age of Fernandez, indicating he is still in the prime of his career and capable of further development.
2: The number of goals scored against Chelsea before their comeback, highlighting the team's resilience.

Definitions and jargon buster

Box-crasher: A midfielder who frequently makes runs into the penalty area to score or assist goals.
Number 8/Number 10: Traditional midfield roles; a Number 8 typically plays deeper, while a Number 10 operates closer to the forwards.
Financial Fair Play: Regulations to prevent football clubs from spending beyond their means.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Chelsea will look to maintain momentum in upcoming fixtures, focusing on consistency and maximizing Fernandez's contribution in both scoring and assisting roles.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The club must navigate the busy winter schedule while managing player fitness and maintaining competitive form in both domestic and European competitions.

Signals to watch

Fernandez's goal-scoring form in upcoming matches.
Injury updates on key players that could affect team dynamics.
Performance in high-stakes matches against rivals in the league.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on Chelsea's fixtures to support the team.
Engage with local businesses on match days to boost the economy.
Follow player performance statistics to appreciate their contributions.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the importance of player roles and adaptability in modern football.
Don’t dismiss the financial implications of player transfers and performance.
Don’t forget to enjoy the excitement of the season as it unfolds.

Checklist

Check Chelsea's schedule for upcoming matches.
Monitor player injury reports and form guides.
Review team performance stats weekly.
Stay informed on financial news related to the club.
Participate in local events or promotions around match days.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Fernandez's performance has been commendable, it is essential to consider that football is unpredictable. Injuries, form fluctuations, and changes in management can impact both his and the team's future. Additionally, scrutiny over Chelsea's spending continues, and any failure to comply with financial regulations could have repercussions.

Bottom line

Enzo Fernandez is emerging as a pivotal player for Chelsea, transforming perceptions about his role in the team. As Chelsea navigates the season, the focus will be on harnessing his skills effectively to achieve both immediate success and long-term goals. The club's financial commitments will also be scrutinised heavily as they aim for stability amidst the competitive landscape of the Premier League.

FAQs

How has Enzo Fernandez performed this season?

Enzo Fernandez has been in excellent form, scoring 11 goals so far this season and proving to be a crucial player for Chelsea.

What role does Jamie Carragher believe Fernandez plays?

Jamie Carragher suggests that Fernandez has evolved into a top box-crashing midfielder, capable of playing as a Number 8 or Number 10, rather than just a holding player.

What does Chelsea's spending on players mean for the club?

The significant spending by Chelsea aims to enhance the team's competitiveness in the Premier League, but it also raises concerns about compliance with financial regulations.