Enzo Fernandez It has become one of the biggest names in world football in recent months. He went from playing for River Plate at the beginning of 2022 to being the most expensive signing in the history of the premier leaguetaking into account that he was a key player in the Argentine team that was crowned champion of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and was decorated as the best young player of the World Cup event.
The Argentine midfielder went from costing 14 million euros (what Benfica paid River Plate) to 121 million euros (what Benfica paid Chelsea to Benfica). A historic move for all the money involved. And, from this movement in the winter market, criticism has begun to rain on social networks about the price and doubts about whether the player costs what was invested in the Blue set. Which demonstrates, once again, Eurocentrism within football. If Enzo costs 121… How much should Pedri, Bellingham and Camavinga cost?
Enzo Fernández and Eurocentrism in football
Many criticize Chelsea for spending so much money on a player who has only been in Europe for six months, as if time in European football was a measure of a footballer’s talent. Before arriving at Benfica, Enzo Fernández was a key player in the Copa Sudamericana champion Defensa y Justicia and Argentina champion River Plate. His performance put him in the sights of several important teams in Europe.
And, as if that were not enough, he became one of the leaders of Benfica as soon as he set foot in Portugal. The Lusitanian team qualified first in the group above PSG and Juventus Turin in the UEFA Champions League with the Argentine as a figure, which helped him reach the World Cup and be the best midfielder in the competition.
Enzo Fernández became one of the most important young talents in European football in a very short time, which shows all his talent. A footballer who, due to conditions and qualities, has far exceeded what other players have done in his position, which shows how little relevance time has in Europe. His performance has been so high that he shows that time in the “elite” is nothing more than a stupid assessment.
Europe has downplayed South American talent for years, thinking that players need to adapt “to the rhythm” or “a way of playing”, when the South Americans have become the best soccer players in history: Lionel Messi, Diego Armando Maradona, Pele, Garrincha, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and many more.
Enzo Fernández shone in South America and now he does so in Europe, above many of the aforementioned names, despite the fact that many believe that he needs 134,323 games to be considered one of the best. One more example that talent overcomes everything. The 121 million euros may or may not be a lot, but there is no doubt that Chelsea are clear that they have added one of the best midfielders in the world to their squad.