(Reuters) – The Premier League has yet to witness the true potential of Enzo Fernandez, according to the Chelsea midfielder himself. Fernandez admitted that he has not been able to showcase his best form since his high-profile transfer to the English club in 2023.
Chelsea, who splurged over 400 million pounds ($507.24 million) on 13 new players last year, have struggled to find consistency in their performances this season.
The midfielder from Argentina, who was acquired for 106 million pounds from Benfica in January 2023, has not lived up to expectations and has failed to replicate the level of play he exhibited at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“I’m striving to reach the level of performance that you saw from me at the World Cup. I aspire to feel like that Enzo, the one who was shining at the World Cup,” Fernandez expressed in an interview posted on the club’s website on Wednesday.
“I aim to return to that level. I feel optimistic, making progress every day, but I still feel like I haven’t reached my peak yet.
“I’m still adapting and haven’t entirely found my rhythm, but I am committed to getting there as quickly as possible and putting in the hard work every day to achieve that.”
Despite their struggles in the league, Chelsea still have a chance to clinch a trophy this season, having secured a spot in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
“We are all giving our best effort, each and every one of us. There is still a possibility for us to win a trophy this season,” Fernandez remarked.
“We are set to face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final, and we have faith in this team, the coaching staff, and the dedication they bring to every training session and match.”
Chelsea, currently positioned ninth in the league, will face Everton next in the league before their FA Cup semi-final encounter against Manchester City on April 20.
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(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Ros Russell)
