Gianfranco Zola has admitted Enzo Fernandez reminds him of former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The 22-year-old has impressed since joining the Blues on January transfer deadline day for a record-breaking fee.
Fernandez was identified as a primary target in late December, football.london understands. Todd Boehly later held extensive talks with Benfica in order to wrap up a deal before the window slammed shut.
Chelsea will pay the Portuguese giants £106.7million in six instalments, the first of which is thought to be around £30million. Despite the pressure of being the most expensive player in Premier League history, the Argentina international has slotted into Graham Potter's side excellently - and he's already earned a comparison to Fabregas.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, Zola revealed what about Fernandez has done to remind him of the two-time Premier League winner. He said: "I was very impressed with Enzo against West Ham.
"He has replaced a player who I have a lot of respect for in Jorginho. I respect him not only as a player but as a leader, he had a big contribution at Chelsea.
"I am sorry to see him go but Enzo looks very good - I was so impressed with his qualities," Zola added. "The speed of mind when he’s playing reminds me of Cesc Fabregas.
"Cesc was unbelievable, before he got the ball he knew where it had to go and within seconds it was dispatched exactly where he wanted. Enzo has similar qualities and has a lot of physicality as well. I’m impressed with him, he can be a really important player for us."
Zola also legend labelled Fernandez as the 'complete' player, who is just a strong mentally as he is technically. He told BT Sport: "I’ve been very, very impressed.
"What I like about him is he can play short but also he can play long. He’s got this long range passing, also can shoot, so he’s a very, very complete player. Also he’s really mature, he’s got a strong personality and makes him such a good player."
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