Joao Felix has predicted that Chelsea club-record signing Enzo Fernandez will go on to become 'one of the best midfielders in Europe'. The World Cup winner was signed for £105m on deadline day last month as the last of seven new arrivals through the door at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez, 22, was placed straight into Graham Potter's squad for last weekend's goalless draw with Fulham, only two days after arriving in England. The price tag paid by Todd Boehly for the Argentine has been questioned throughout the footballing world, with some criticising the Blues' spending over the month.
This week, Chelsea travel to London rivals West Ham looking to rescue any chance of finishing in the Premier League top four. After a full week with his new teammates at Cobham, Fernandez is expected to restore his place in Potter's midfield.
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Chelsea supporters will be licking their lips at the prospect of seeing Fernandez hit the same heights managed at the Qatar World Cup. The former Benfica man showcased his ability throughout the tournament for the South American side, playing a starring role in his nation's journey to their third world title.
And whilst there are numerous question marks over Fernandez and the price paid for his services, Felix has backed his new teammate to succeed in England and has defended the club's decision to break the British transfer record. When asked by AS, the Chelsea loanee explained his initial thoughts on the playmaker.
"He is a very good boy. He has entered the group very well," he continued. "He arrived two days before a game and already started playing. He has been very good. He is a very good player.
"It is becoming more and more normal for amounts like this to be paid. Football has changed and it will be common for amounts of 80, 90, 100, 110 million to be paid. He deserves the money because he is a young player, he is very good and has a lot of room to evolve. He will surely be one of the best midfielders in Europe."
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