Frank Lampard backs 22-year-old star to be Chelsea’s ‘leader’ against Real Madrid

Frank Lampard believe Enzo Fernandez has the aura to become Chelsea leader

Frank Lampard claimed Enzo Fernandez has the possibility of captaining Chelsea, and huge games against Real Madrid may be the perfect opportunity for the youngster to show his leadership qualities.

The 22-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Benfica for £107 million, surpassed the British transfer record. Moreover, the Argentine has played in 10 Premier League games since joining the team.

Fernandez will be looking to stamp his authority in midfield and outmanoeuvre players like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos when Chelsea play Real Madrid in the Champions League last eight.

However, thanks to his performance, he has offered much-needed stability to Chelsea’s midfield. He has, though, been part of a bad run that has resulted in Chelsea losing just three of its 12 games since he came in January.

According to interim manager Lampard, it is unjust to claim that his young players lack direction, and Fernandez, who is quickly becoming an influence in the locker room, (h/t Evening Standard), has the potential to leave his legacy on a momentous occasion. Prior to the game, he said the following at the press conference:

“Chelsea brought in some younger players throughout this season; 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 only 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.”

He has plenty of time to demonstrate his leadership, as he is only 22 years old. Yet despite the club’s dismal season, it is important to demonstrate your character and mentality in matches like this, as disappointing outcomes shouldn’t sap your morale

He has also come up against Modric when Argentina faced Croatia in the World Cup semi-final, and Fernandez had the upper hand as he helped the South American giants to victory and the final of the competition.

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Nonetheless, this will be a different kind of game, and ideally, he will exert himself to command the midfield alongside N’Golo Kante. We saw how Liverpool were completely run over by Los Blancos in the last round and it was majorly because of how poor their midfield was. The middle of the park could, hence, be the decisive factor in this tie. It could be the game where Fernandez announces his arrival at Chelsea to the world.