Former Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has backed his compatriot, the Liverpool-linked, Enzo Fernandez to secure a mammoth summer move from Benfica after he once again impressed for Argentina.
The Albicelestes secured their passage into the round of 16 of the World Cup after defeating Poland 2-0 on Wednesday. Second-half strikes from Alexis MacAllister and Julian Alvarez have set up a first knockout round clash with Group D runners-up Australia.
Having started the shock defeat to Saudi Arabia on the substitutes' bench, Fernandez made a huge impact during Saturday's must-win tie with Mexico as he came on to seal the game for Argentina with a sublime, curling effort from the corner of the box.
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Such an exceptional performance persuaded manager Lionel Scaloni to hand the Benfica midfielder a starting berth for the Group C finale. And the 21-year-old impressed as he was instrumental in Argentina sealing their place in the knockout stages after a poor start to the tournament.
"He’s been really good in both games, he’s been one of the best players for Argentina," said Zabaleta. "He’s only 21 but he’s been fantastic and I think next summer, he will go to a big club.
"He’s got vision, his passing and shooting ability is great. He can play as a number four but also as a number eight."
Despite only making the move to Benfica last summer, as the Primeira Liga giants looked to reinvest the funds they received for the sale of Darwin Nunez to Liverpool, Fernandez has impressed this season. He helped the Eagles topple both Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus and advance from a suspected 'Group of Death' in the Champions League and book their place as a seeded side in the round-of-16 stage.
As well as Borussia Dortmund and England sensation Jude Bellingham, Liverpool have been heavily touted to make a move for the Argentine star who can, as Zabaleta alluded to, can play a number of both defensive and attacking midfield positions.
Reports in Fernandez's Argentina have also linked the rising star with a move to Real Madrid.
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