Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history.
Joining from Benfica in a £107m deal last year, Enzo Fernandez arrived at Stamford Bridge with a lot of expectations.
Playing with a groin issue this season, the 23-year-old has perhaps been hindered by it and not been able to express himself fully.
Regardless, it is quite clear that another big-money Chelsea signing has proven to be more effective than Fernandez.
Not just Cole Palmer
The first name that obviously comes to mind is Cole Palmer. The attacker has been sensational for Chelsea since arriving from Manchester City last summer.
He finished the 2023/24 Premier League season with 22 goals and 11 assists. It means Palmer recorded the most goal contributions in the top flight this term.
Of course, then, the 22-year-old has brought more to this Chelsea team than Fernandez.
However, the same can arguably be said about Moises Caicedo now.
Moises Caicedo has been more effective than Enzo Fernandez
Both Caicedo, Chelsea’s most expensive ever signing, and Fernandez have been criticised this season. However, the former has really stepped up of late and proved in his last outing that he has probably been more impactful than his teammate.
It is not just the insane goal Caicedo scored against Bournemouth. His defensive numbers were also quite impressive.
For example, according to WhoScored, Caicedo recorded six tackles. No other player managed more than the 22-year-old.
He also made three interceptions, which was again a number that no one else could better.
To put things simply, Caicedo has been winning the ball back for Chelsea, thwarting opposition attacks, and that just seems way more useful than the nice passing supporters have seen from Fernandez this term.
Pochettino described the Ecuadorian and his goal as “amazing” after the game. Right now, that is probably the perfect word to use for him.
As for Fernandez, again, some perspective is needed because he has been playing through an injury. But it does not really change the above.