Former Chelsea star Mikel Obi has extended some words of wisdom to current midfielder Enzo Fernandez following his standout performance in Chelsea’s recent 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Mikel, widely regarded as a legend at the club, praised Fernandez’s growing influence on the pitch, highlighting the vital role he plays as Chelsea seeks to reestablish its dominance in the Premier League for the 2024-2025 season.
Fernandez, who joined Chelsea in January 2023 for a record-breaking £107 million from Benfica, delivered an exceptional display against Tottenham. His stats spoke volumes: completing 49 out of 51 passes with precision, creating a key scoring opportunity, registering two shots on target, and winning five out of ten duels.
During an interview with Stadium Astro, Mikel applauded Fernandez’s progress but also reflected on the challenges he faced earlier in the season. Fernandez, once criticized for inconsistent performances, was briefly sidelined by the coaching staff—a decision Mikel described as necessary for the player’s growth.
“Sometimes, a little push is all it takes to refocus,” Mikel remarked. “The manager made the right call by taking him out of the spotlight to protect him. Since his return, his stats have been incredible.”
Mikel further encouraged Fernandez to fully embrace his responsibilities, especially as the team captain. “He’s stepped up brilliantly since coming back, and now, as captain, he must continue to set the standard on the pitch,” Mikel added.
With performances like the one against Tottenham, Fernandez is proving his worth and cementing his role as a key figure in Chelsea’s resurgence.
