Enzo Fernandez unstoppable display for Argentina gives hope to Mauricio Pochettino
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez was on target for Argentina as they prepared for the Copa America with a win over El Salvador.
The Blues star scored his third goal for his country, helping Argentina to a 3-0 victory in a friendly match in Philadelphia early Saturday morning. Argentina, the world champions, added to the woes of a team that hasn’t won in 21 games.
The scoring started when Tottenham star Cristian Romero headed in a corner just 15 minutes into the game. Enzo doubled the lead before half-time, finishing off a quick counter-attack he started himself. He continued his run into the box and smashed in a loose ball from close range at the back post after Giovani Lo Celso’s shot was blocked.
Lo Celso then scored the third goal himself as Argentina extended their winning streak. They’ve now won 10 out of their last 11 games since winning the 2022 World Cup, as they prepare for this summer’s Copa America in the USA.
Enzo has scored seven times for Chelsea this season, while he has also assisted a further three goals in 25 appearances. The midfielder has previously insisted that he likes to score as many goals as possible, whether that be for club or country.
The former Benfica man said: “I can play anywhere, if I have to choose, yes, I like to play more higher up on the pitch, I like to score goals. I like to get to the box, but I like to play as a ‘five’ too. It’s up to the coach, whatever he tells me, I’ll do that.”
After Enzo scored his first goals for Chelsea during the 3-2 win over Brighton in December, Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino insisted it was important the Argentina star scored regularly for his confidence. “It’s important that different players can score,” said the manager.
“It was Enzo’s first and second in the Premier League, it’s important to build confidence. Players sometimes need one season, six months, 10 months to start to show their real quality. Why would it be different at Chelsea? So happy that different players can score. It’s a good thing for the team.”
