Fernandez has provided glimpses of his immense potential (Picture: Getty)
Frank Lampard has labelled Enzo Fernandes ‘the future’ of Chelsea having been impressed with the Argentina international since his return to Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez joined the Blues in a club record £106million move from Benfica in the final days of the January transfer window.
The Blues have endured a disastrous start to 2023 with Graham Potter dismissed by the club in early April with the club languishing in mid-table.
Lampard’s return as interim boss has failed to lift the gloom with Chelsea losing all four games so far with the club legend at the helm, scoring just one goal in that run.
While it has been a bleak campaign, Fernandez’s early performances in midfield have provided plenty of reason for optimism, showing glimpses of his immense potential.
Despite joining Chelsea ‘in a difficult moment’ for the club, Lampard believes the 22-year-old is now set to have a central role in any success Chelsea enjoy in the coming years.
‘I think he’s a fantastic talent. I think for a young player to have achieved what he has achieved in this footballing year has been amazing,’ Lampard said ahead of Chelsea’s meeting with Brentford on Wednesday.
Fernandez arrived for a club record fee in January (Picture: Getty)
‘To be part of a World Cup-winning team, to earn himself a move to the Premier League and a club like Chelsea. I agree maybe it’s a difficult moment to come to the club.
‘He’s been at the club a few months and it’s been a difficult time, which has been a challenge for him.
‘It’s a challenge that will make him better because everybody will put a lot of eyes on his performance, give him a lot of responsibility.
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‘The reality, at his age coming here, he also needs support and help and those things. Those things can take time, speaking the language for instance.
‘I think he’s a fantastic talent and he is the future of Chelsea, one of, central to a lot of it.
‘We must also give him that time to settle because will have happened to him very quickly. I really like Enzo, I’ve been very impressed.’
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Lampard sees huge promise in the midfielder.