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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jacob Steinberg in New York

Enzo Fernández shows real quality for Argentina but Chelsea future is up in the air

Enzo Fernández celebrates after Argentina’s semi-final victory against England
Enzo Fernández reacts after Argentina’s semi-final victory against England but Spain’s midfield will prove a tougher test. Photograph: Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty Images

Enzo Fernández was an unstoppable mix of style and spite during Argentina’s win over England. The midfielder’s first contribution during Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta was to plough into Elliot Anderson and clobber Manchester City’s new £116m signing round the head. He escaped without a booking, though, and made the most of some generous refereeing by showing the other side to his game when Argentina took control after going 1-0 down early in the second half.

Much has already been said about England’s attempt to hold on to their lead. A particular frustration for fans who watch the Premier League every week was that not enough was done to disrupt Fernández. The Chelsea midfielder is a wonderful player in possession but can struggle when opponents run past him. That weakness has caused structural issues for Chelsea and will be a factor if they decide to sell the Argentinian this summer. Against England, though, Fernández was given space to do as he pleased during the second half. He pulled the strings next to Alexis Mac Allister and proved his big-game mentality by scoring the equaliser with a bending shot from 25 yards in the 85th minute.

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