Former Premier League footballer turned pundit Jamie O’Hara has said he’s “not having” Enzo Fernandez following his performance against Crystal Palace.
Fernandez once again captained the Blues as they dropped points at home to Palace on Sunday having taken the lead through Nicolas Jackson.
The World Cup winner found himself virtually playing as a centre back in the second half and struggled at times with his athleticism in terms of getting back to stop counter attacks as Palace passed through the Chelsea midfield with ease at times.
O’Hara not having Fernandez
The 23-year-old had a summer of controversy and following Argentina’s success at the Copa America he was involved in a racism incident after he live streamed himself and his team-mates chanting a song with racist and homophobic language against French players in it from the team bus.
The Blues conducted an internal investigation and Fernandez has been reintegrated back into the squad after addressing everything with his team mates.
However, his performances on the pitch continue to divide opinion and despite his obvious talent Fernandez has yet to really stamp his mark on this Chelsea side despite costing over £100m.
Former Tottenham player O’Hara was scathing in his criticism of the Argentine and said he doesn’t think he’s good enough, whilst claiming Romeo Lavia is a better player.
“I am not having Enzo Fernandez,” he told Sky Sports (01/09/2024 at 15:45) as quoted by The Chelsea Chronicle.
“I am not having him. I don’t think he is good enough.
“They paid a lot of money for him, £100 million, they have made him the captain of the football club. I don’t think he deserves to play in midfield. Lavia is a better player.”
It’s very strong from O’Hara and arguably over the top, but Chelsea fans will be hoping Maresca can find a position in the team that gets the best out of Fernandez because if he can do that then it will make a huge difference to Chelsea.
