Chelsea’s €121m signing destroyed over LAZY Real Madrid performance

Imre Himmelbauer

• 19 Apr 2023 08:46 BST
• 3 min read

Enzo Fernandez might largely have escaped criticism for Chelsea’s poor form, but the €121 million midfielder was destroyed by Champions League-winning midfielder Wesley Sneijder for his performance against Real Madrid in a 2-0 defeat on Tuesday.

According to the former Blancos and Inter star, Enzo was guilty as the Blues conceded the opening goal of the game, which saw them slip 3-0 behind on aggregate against the defending champions.

“If you have been bought as a player for €100 million (€121m, ed.), then you can expect that he will at least run his lungs out, right?” Sneijder said.

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The former international then displayed images showing Fernandez trudging back while Real Madrid counterattacked, while teammate Conor Gallagher was in a full sprint.

“This is not possible, this must be addressed,” says Sneijder.

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'I don't think Enzo Fernandez is a great footballer

Fernandez also has exceptional qualities in other areas, says Sneijder.

“I don't think he's a great footballer either. You just said that he did Lionel Messi’s work. I thought he would do it at Chelsea, but he doesn't,” the 2010 World Cup Silver Ball winner explained.

“I would say that he needs dressed down. If things don't go smoothly in football and you can't score goals, then you have to make sure you don't concede any goals. Then you just have to run your lungs out, and he doesn't do that.”

Club owner Todd Boehly recently caused a surprise by angrily walking to the Chelsea dressing room after the loss to Brighton & Hove Albion (2-1).

After the match against Madrid, the American seemed to go back to the dressing room. Sneijder can understand that when he sees how little work Fernandez delivers.

“I understand that as an owner, and you have paid so much money, you are angry and walk in. You are watching in the stands when the owner sees that Gallagher is making such a sprint and your €100m man is not . Yes, then I would get angry too,” he said.

Enzo Fernandez has played 15 matches for Chelsea, contributing two assists. He was a key player as Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, which helped him win his big January transfer to Stamford Bridge, where he has a contract until 2031.