‘Shameless!’ – Emi Martinez reveals why Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez ‘surprised’ him

Robin Bairner

• 3 Mar 2023 09:35 GMT
• 3 min read

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has confessed that Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez “surprised” him during Argentina’s run to win the 2022 World Cup.

Enzo started the tournament on the bench but was quickly brought into the starting XI and played a pivotal role as the South American side picked up the trophy for the first time since 1986. His performances were recognised as he won the FIFA World Cup Young Player Award.

Off the back of Qatar 2022, Enzo completed a record 2022, Enzo completed a record €121 million transfer to Chelsea – just six months after he had moved to Benfica for €10 million from River Plate.

MORE: Joao Felix predicted Enzo Fernandez’s instant Chelsea impact

If the performances of the 22-year-old came as a shock to the public at large, that should be considered no surprise given that his international colleagues did not expect the youngster to make such a profound impact on the competition.

Speaking to TyC Sports, Martinez has detailed the attitude of Enzo that helped to make him stand out.

“Enzo Fernandez is shameless!” the Aston Villa goalkeeper said. “He made the games with the national team his own and came into the World Cup as if he had already won 350 caps. He surprised me not only as a player but as a person.”

MORE: Real Madrid and Barcelona SLAMMED for ignoring Enzo Fernandez offer

Enzo broke into 'untouchable' Argentina midfield

Martinez went on to explain why Enzo was drafted into the team in an “untouchable” midfield after a shock opening loss to Saudi Arabia.

“Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul and Gio Lo Celso had been playing well in midfield and were untouchable,” he said. “Then we lost the first game when everyone was at a low level. Lionel Scaloni made a pair of changes and in came Enzo – a crack!”

Enzo has yet to experience a win with Chelsea, but despite his team’s struggles, he has won general acclaim for his level of performances in England, suggesting that he is taking to the Premier League with the same attitude he approached the World Cup – and that can only be good news for the Blues.