The World Cup led the way in demonstrating the skills of high class midfielders and that comes as good news for Chelsea. The Blues are searching for replacements and reinforcements for the centre of the park with Jorginho and N'Golo Kante both out of contract at the end of the season, ageing and not completely part of the long-term vision.
When it comes to finding new bodies to fill their potential void there is no shortage of names. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham have been on the table since the summer, as has Edson Alvarez from Ajax. The latter is the only one of those that may come in January though and that is just as important as looking to the summer.
Additions are needed swiftly and hence why the World Cup has not only unearthed some new stars, it has strengthened the belief of how good some players are. Although it is unlikely for a risk to be taken solely off of an international tournament anymore, hence the lack of reports linking sides to Morocco's Azzedine Ounahi, when a player stands out at a competition on the biggest stage it can reinforce interest.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly told why Arsenal and Chelsea must sign France World Cup star
Of the other standout midfielders, eventual winner Enzo Fernandez had a fantastic tournament. Having started on the bench for the first two matches, the Benfica star was crucial to Argentina's success regardless of the formation and system chosen by Lionel Scaloni. He played as part of a box midfield, a trio and in a pivot and helped win matches in all three.
Despite starting just five of the seven matches, a total of 564 minutes across the four weeks, Fernandez ranked well alongside his opposition for through balls, tackles won and total touches. He also scored and assisted during the matches. Having only joined Benfica over the summer he has caught the eye of many watching the Champions League and Chelsea are one of those sides.
They're unlikely to be alone now after Fernandez became a world champion, but Sport reported earlier this season that he was still on the shortlist of the Blues, though Liverpool and Barcelona have also made their feelings clear. Now, with the World Cup finished, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has given his thoughts on the player, and offered a comical reply.
“I’m aware of Enzo and I know him," the English manager said. "But I think the transfer fee to sign him might be quite lumpy.” The definition of a lumpy transfer isn't exact, but reported valuations for him range between £50m and £100m. For Newcastle and their new wealthy owners that may not be too much, but Howe appears to know his immediate limits.
The Toon are challenging Chelsea for the top four this season and sit third after 15 games, beating Graham Potter's men in the last game before the international break. Having already smashed their transfer record in the summer to sign Alexander Isak, Fernandez could be the next name for the Magpies to look at, but Chelsea will have plenty to say about that if they are to push for a new midfielder themselves.
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