Kante's Insightful Critique

Former Chelsea and World Cup champion N'Golo Kante, now at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, recently highlighted Enzo Fernández's inconsistent form in a recent interview. Kante, celebrated for his tactical brilliance during his time at Stamford Bridge, praised Fernández's raw talent but questioned his ability to maintain consistency. "Enzo has everything: technique, vision, physicality," Kante said. "But there's a puzzle in how he balances aggression with control. Sometimes he overcomplicates plays; other times, he disappears when Chelsea need him most."

The Enigma Unveiled: Fernández's Season

Fernández, signed by Chelsea for a record £106.8m in 2023, arrived with a World Cup-winning pedigree and the Best Young Player award. However, his Premier League journey has been marked by highs and lows. In the 2024-25 season, he delivered standout performances—such as a goal and assist against Fulham despite an eye infection—but struggled with composure in critical moments. His stats (6 goals, 10 assists in 39 games) suggest untapped potential, with critics noting his occasional lapses in decision-making.

Tactical Adjustments Under De Zerbi

New Chelsea manager Roberto de Zerbi has revitalized Fernández by deploying him in a higher midfield role within a 4-2-3-1 system. This shift has allowed Fernández to leverage his strengths: his passing range (61 key passes, fifth in the Premier League) and set-piece expertise. His assist-to-shot ratio has improved, and his defensive contributions (2.1 tackles per game) now rival Kante's former standards. Yet, issues persist, such as a 12% dribble failure rate and eight yellow cards reflecting inconsistent discipline.

The Path to Redemption

Kante remains optimistic, emphasizing Fernández's proven ability under pressure during the World Cup. "Great players solve their own puzzles," he noted. For Chelsea, unlocking Fernández's potential is vital for title challenges amid competition from Manchester City and Liverpool. His dual role as a defensive anchor and attacking catalyst could fill the void left by Moisés Caicedo's inconsistent form.

National Team Ambitions

In Argentina's 4-1-4-1 setup, Fernández has emerged as Lionel Messi's potential successor, orchestrating play alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul. His success in the 2026 World Cup hinges on replicating his club form internationally. At 24, Fernández faces a critical crossroads: mastering the balance between creativity and composure to silence critics and cement his legacy.

Conclusion: The Stakes for Chelsea and Fernández

If Fernández can reconcile his talent with elite football demands, Chelsea may finally justify their record investment. For the player himself, this season marks a defining moment to evolve from "enigma" to midfield legend—a challenge he must meet to silence skeptics and fulfill his potential.