Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has claimed he is yet to show his best form in the Premier League, insisting that he is still going through a period of adaption.
On the final day of the 2023 winter transfer window, Chelsea broke the British transfer record to sign Fernandez from Benfica for a fee in the region of £107m.
With Fernandez having won the World Cup with Argentina in the weeks before his move, Chelsea fans were expecting him to be a difference maker.
However, while the 23-year-old can claim to have made an impact in West London, it has not been to the level that a £107m addition may have made.
Seven goals and five assists have come from 60 appearances in all competitions, but just seven of those contributions have come in the Premier League.
Although Chelsea have reached this season's EFL Cup final and are in the FA Cup semi-finals, they sit in ninth position in the top-flight standings.
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What has Fernandez had to say?
In an interview with Chelsea's official website, Fernandez has acknowledged that he is yet to justify his price tag, citing that he has not been able to build on his performances with his country at the World Cup.
The former River Plate man said: "I'm trying to get there, to the version of me that you saw at the World Cup. I want to feel like that Enzo, that was playing at the World Cup. I want to get back there.
"I feel good, getting better each day, but I still don't feel like I'm at 100%. I'm still adapting and still don't feel entirely myself, but I'm trying to get there as quickly as possible and working hard every day in order to do so.
"It won't be easy because the World Cup has been and gone, and I'm still growing as a player and developing my skills, but I'm looking for that Enzo. I want to feel completely myself again."
He added: "In my opinion the Premier League is the best league in the world. It is so dynamic with so many quality players. I think it's the best. I always saw the Premier League on television. The intensity, the atmosphere, it was different.
"Now that I'm actually experiencing it, it's incredible. The first six months were difficult for me. I found it hard to adapt but now I feel so much more prepared than at the start. But I'm enjoying it so much.
"Maybe personally I'm still not 100% and don't feel like I've shown my potential, but beyond that I love being at a club as big as Chelsea, enjoying the Premier League every weekend with the fans that are so passionate. I love being here."
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How will Chelsea react to Fernandez comments?
The general consensus will be overwhelmingly positive. Co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have made a big investment in Fernandez and his comments support the project that they are overseeing.
Supporters will also feel encouraged that Fernandez seemingly does not intend to move to another European club, although very few teams could afford him at this stage.
Chelsea do have an issue with finding Fernandez an ideal foil, though. Moises Caicedo and Fernandez have worked well together to a certain extent and Conor Gallagher has been effective in pressing players from an advanced role.
One issue is the lack of height between the trio, which subsequently hinders Chelsea at set pieces. How they will be able to resolve that remains to be seen.
Darren Plant
