West Ham and Chelsea played out a fierce battle on Saturday afternoon, with one area of the pitch standing out from the pack.
In midfield, all eyes were on Enzo Fernandez vs Declan Rice. Chelsea’s new big-money midfielder vs the man who could well be their next one.
Todd Boehly’s love of excessive spending has seen Blues fans crying out for Rice to line up alongside Fernandez next season, taking the FIFA Career Mode simulation to the next level, but after Saturday’s 1-1 draw, there can be no denying just how impressive that partnership could be.
Of the duo, it’s safe to say that Fernandez came out on top. The Argentine assisted Joao Felix’s opener, nearly had another one for Kai Havertz and came out with the Player of the Match award after orchestrating a side that enjoyed over 70% possession during the game.
And yet, Fernandez wasn’t always the clear winner. The second half saw Rice adopt more of a defensive, destructive role which focused on neutralising the Argentine, and the result was a minor resurgence from the hosts.
It was a fascinating tactical battle which ebbed and flowed in favour of each player, and it will have had Boehly’s cheque book twitching in anticipation.
Fernandez is a solid, aggressive defender but it’s clear that his strength lies with the ball at his feet. He was a wizard in the first half, providing the sort of creativity that Chelsea have been crying out for ever since Antonio Conte decided he hated Cesc Fabregas for some reason.
Per Opta, Fernandez led Chelsea in completed passes (84), possessions recovered (7) and tackles (3) during the game, continuing his bright start to life in the Premier League with another do-it-all performance.
What Fernandez could do with, however, is a yang for his yin, somebody happier doing the ugly side of things but still capable of a highlight reel moment with the ball at his feet.
Enter Rice.
The West Ham man’s unorthodox style, a graceful destruction, is what is missing from Chelsea’s current midfield. It’s like a blend of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, and one which would look right at home alongside Fernandez.
The pair cancelled each other out well at the London Stadium, but the mind boggles at what they could do together.
