New Chelsea signing Enzo Fernandez has previously admitted to learning from Declan Rice to help him improve as a midfielder. The Argentina international made the £106million move from Benfica on January transfer deadline day, with the Blues' hierarchy finally striking an agreement late into the day.
It addresses a problem area for the side in recent seasons, with ball progression in midfield often being an issue that was unsolved in the transfer window. The 22-year-old showed glimpses of his ability on the ball in his debut against Fulham, working as a sole pivot to receive the ball from the back and move it on simply and effectively.
His transition to the Premier League may be quicker thanks to his learning from Rice, which he admitted to over the World Cup. “I try to watch as much football and learn a little bit from everyone," The youngster said. "I like Rice of England, I try to watch him and learn.”
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That admission from Fernandez may have opened the door to a dream partnership in the middle of the field for the foreseeable future. Rice has long been touted with a switch to Stamford Bridge, though it has never quite materialised after leaving the club at youth level.
The 24-year-old is nearing the end of his contract at West Ham and looks set for a move away, opening the chance for the Blues to test their luck again. However, the partnership could end up costing over £200million after David Moyes claimed any transfer would beat Fernandez's British record transfer fee.
"Undoubtedly Declan [Rice] is going to be a top player," said David Moyes on Saturday evening after his side's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United. "He'll be a British transfer record if he ever leaves West Ham."
It remains to be seen if that fee will be the case, with his contract dwindling rather quickly, but it could be costly if Chelsea want to beat their rivals to his signature.
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