Lampard calls upon 22-year-old Enzo Fernandez to STEP UP for Chelsea

Frank Lampard urges £107m Enzo Fernandez to step up and become a LEADER for Chelsea as underperforming Blues prepare to do battle with Real Madrid in Champions League quarter-final first leg

  • Lampard has called for the 22-year-old to be a leader on the pitch for Chelsea
  • The interim boss admitted it is ‘normal’ to be questioned amidst a poor season 
  • Enzo Fernandez felt ‘inspired’ by Lampard’s speech about Chelsea’s 2012 win

Frank Lampard has called upon 22-year-old midfielder Enzo Fernandez to become a leader on the pitch for Chelsea ahead of the Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid. 

The Blues forked out a British record fee in a deal worth £107 million to acquire the Argentine’s services from Benfica in January. 

Fernandez has gone on to feature in all 12 of Chelsea’s games across all competitions since arriving on deadline day in the January transfer window. 

The winner of the Young Player award at the World Cup in Qatar has adapted well to life in England so far and is already a popular member of the Chelsea playing staff. 

But Lampard has now called for Fernandez to step up and become one of Chelsea’s on-pitch leaders. 

Frank Lampard has called for Enzo Fernandez to become a leader for Chelsea on the pitch

Fernandez has been a constant fixture in Chelsea’s midfield since his record-breaking move

The 22-year-old is already becoming an important figure in the Chelsea dressing room

‘Chelsea brought in some younger players throughout this season,’ Lampard said during his pre-Real Madrid press conference. ‘We had to give them a chance at developing into the leaders we want them to be.

‘Enzo is becoming a leader, but he’s 22, I think it’s quite difficult for us to talk about that, he’ll have to find his way. 

‘Games like tonight are a great chance to perform and show the personality that makes you a proper leader.

‘It’s normal in a season when a club like us falls below the levels we want the character gets questioned. 

‘It’s one of the first things probably to get questioned in times of defeat. The only thing the players can do is prove it on the pitch, where people can see it.’

Fernandez accompanied his manager at the press conference on Tuesday evening and told the press he was inspired by a speech Lampard gave about beating Bayern Munich to the Champions League trophy against all odds in 2012.

The young midfielder wants to deliver on Lampard’s call to take on more responsibility by leading Chelsea to titles in the near future.  

He said: ‘I always dream to be a leader because when I started, I always wanted to be an example. To be defined like that so young makes me really proud. I always give my best and try to be an example for everyone.’


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