Former Charlton midfielder: Chelsea midfielder is only going to get better with age

BY ALESSANDRO SCHIAVONE

Former Charlton midfielder Matt Holland is a big admirer of “terrific” Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who has rediscovered his Benfica mojo this term after his baptism of fire in English football.

Yet even though Holland has been left amazed by the World Cup winner’s vast improvements, he still feels he has a long way to go before reaching his full potential.

Ahead of today’s FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Manchester City, Holland told the South London Press: “Enzo is a fantastic player.

“He’s a player who at his age is only going to get better. He’s learning the game, he’s learning the role, he’s learning the Premier League.

“He’s learning the standard in the Premier League. He’s learning on the job really.

“But I’ve been impressed with him this season. He’s a terrific talent, there’s no question.

“At the moment when you look at Chelsea they’re struggling a little bit as well so it makes it more difficult to really impose yourself on matches.

“If you’re at a team that is top of the league, it’s perhaps a bit easier to have more of an impact if you like.”

But for all Enzo’s improvements, the Argentine World Cup winner is not yet in Manchester City serial winner Rodri’s league.

The Spaniard scored the winning goal in last season’s Champions League final against Inter Milan.

And for Holland he is the real benchmark in his position in the Premier League.

“Rodri is the best and his stats tell you he’s the best,” said Holland.

“Now the primary role of a number six is his defensive duties.

“And he breaks play brilliantly and wins the ball back for his team and he keeps it simple.

“But when you delve a little bit deeper into his stats, he’s really progressive with his passing as well. The way he breaks the lines, the way he takes people out of the game and the way he drives forward at times. Rodri is comfortably the best number six in the league.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD