ENZO FERNANDEZ
(Benfica)
With the level of analysis, scouting and research that goes into modern clubs’ transfer operations, the days of players being signed for big money off the back of a handful of impressive World Cup performances are probably a thing of the past. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that, as Enzo Fernandez tiptoed into the penalty area during Argentina’s Group C clash with Mexico before curling a wicked effort into the top corner, his price tag crept up by a few digits.
The 21-year-old midfielder was already on the radar of many of Europe’s biggest clubs after starring in Benfica’s dominant start to the 2022-23 season. Only two outfield players had played more minutes for the Lisbon giants than Fernandez when the league paused for the World Cup, with the unbeaten Benfica eight points clear of their nearest rivals.
Goalscoring is more of a bonus feature to Fernandez’s game
Despite catching the eye with his sensational strike against Mexico – and opening his Benfica account with a sweetly-struck volley from the edge of the area – goalscoring is more of a bonus feature to Fernandez’s game than an integral element. A clever, deep-lying midfielder, he is a tempo-setter, a regista with a superb passing range, averaging more than 90 passes per Portuguese league game prior to Qatar. No stranger to the uglier side of his role, he also wins his fair share of tackles – and concedes his fair share of fouls.
Fernandez already has a long and growing
