Enzo Fernandez becoming Chelsea's hero in the FA Cup semi-finals against Leeds seems to have been predicted in advance. The Argentine midfielder always knows how to shine in big matches.
Wearing the captain's armband and playing with an uncompromising spirit, Fernandez scored the decisive goal with a classy header, ending Chelsea's goal drought and bringing the London team to the final at Wembley.
In the context of Chelsea going through a turbulent season, Fernandez once again showed his leadership role. After internal disciplinary action related to statements about the possibility of moving to Real Madrid and the chaotic period with Liam Rosenior being sacked, the 25-year-old midfielder responded with a performance right when the team needed him most.
Interim coach Calum McFarlane praised his student after the match: "When the match becomes difficult, you will see his fighting spirit. You see him pushing the whole team, rushing into contests and fighting for every ball situation.
Many The Blues fans believe that they should have witnessed more of that spirit throughout the season. However, Fernandez is still the team's biggest hope before the FA Cup final against Manchester City - his 150th start for Chelsea.
Fernandez's season clearly reflects Chelsea's irregularities. He scored the late equalizer against Man City at the Etihad in McFarlane's first match leading the team in January, but was later dropped from the starting lineup by Rosenior as part of a two-match internal penalty.
Rumors related to Real Madrid made the name Fernandez receive more attention before Wembley. The Argentine midfielder entered the final with impressive form. Against Leeds, he also just scored against Liverpool with a beautiful free kick.
I am very excited and determined to win this title" - Fernandez shared before the final, which could partly save Chelsea's disappointing season.
Recently, Fernandez has often been used in the number 10 role alongside Joao Pedro. This position helps him promote his strong pressing ability when he doesn't have the ball, while taking good advantage of sharp passes and penetrations into the penalty area.
The most outstanding point in Fernandez at this time is his ability to choose a position in the penalty area - a quality that makes many people think of Frank Lampard at his peak.
The goal against Leeds is the clearest proof. Previously, the goal against Man City at the Etihad also came from a smart move into an empty space.
Notably, 8 of Fernandez's 9 Premier League goals this season were scored from inside the penalty area, showing the Argentine midfielder's increasingly perfect penetration and finishing ability. McFarlane even joked that he was too familiar with Fernandez continuously scoring goals into the far corner during training sessions.
One of his biggest strengths is his ability to choose the time to move from the right wing into the penalty area, jump and head" - Chelsea's interim coach commented.
That means Man City's defense, with the duo Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi, will have to be especially wary of Fernandez's intrusions at Wembley.
Chelsea may not have achieved the expected successes this season, but with Fernandez, Wembley is still a stage for big players. And the FA Cup final may be an opportunity for him to assert his value once again.
