Chelsea player silences critics with 9 duels won, 0.55 expected assists and 8 passes into the final third

Enzo Fernandez has been criticised for his form recently, with some fans claiming that he “covers up” bad all round performances by grabbing a goal or an assist.

Enzo impresses with battling midfield performance

Enzo Fernandez celebrates his goal. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Some people would say that’s a nonsense statement anyway. But even those who think he needs to do more will be pleased with what they saw tonight against Benfica.

The stats he put in were really impressive. It was always going to be a battle tonight – Chelsea are tired and missing a lot of their important players. What mattered was winning the 3 points. Enzo played a big part in that.

He won 9 duels – only Moises Caicedo won more in the whole game. He also drew 4 fouls and completed a dribble. He hit 3 successful long balls, 8 passes into the final third, and had 0.55 expected assists, more than double the amount managed by the second placed player in that category.

Pedro Neto might get the nod for man of the match because of his part in the goal, but this was an important showing from Enzo.

Perhaps it was facing his old team which inspired him. He was pelted with missiles and abuse from the away fans when he went to take a corner underneath them. Whatever it was, it was a much needed good showing.

Fernandez set for Argentina return which could cost him improving form

Enzo didn’t travel to South America or play at all for Argentina in the September break, which has perhaps given him a little more energy for these weeks since where so many of our other players have struggled with form and fitness.

Unfortunately for us all, there’s another international break coming up next week – and this time, Enzo doesn’t have a suspension to rule him out.