Troy Deeney makes Enzo Fernandez prediction that Chelsea fans will surely love
Troy Deeney has backed Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez to enjoy his best goal return for the Stamford Bridge club this season.
The Argentina international scored on Friday, 22 August, when Chelsea thrashed London rivals West Ham 5-1 on away soil.
After joining the Blues from Benfica in January 2023, Fernandez initially struggled to make an impact in West London, failing to score in 22 appearances in the 2022/23 campaign.
However, the 24-year-old has subsequently become more of an asset for Enzo Maresca‘s side, notching eight goals and 14 assists across all competitions last campaign.
Troy Deeney backs Enzo Fernandez to score double figures this season
Before scoring for Maresca’s men against West Ham on 22 August, Fernandez’s last goal arrived when Chelsea beat LAFC in the Club World Cup on 16 June.
During much of the West Londoners’ triumphant Club World Cup campaign, the Argentine played in an attacking midfield role, with Cole Palmer being deployed on the wing.
Meanwhile, writing for BBC Sport on Monday, 25 August, former Watford striker Deeney wrote: “(Fernandez) scored against West Ham and he could get 10-12 goals this season because he just keeps creeping into threatening areas from midfield.
“An excellent captain’s performance. When Cole Palmer went down (injured), he was the one to take the lead.”
Cole Palmer injury could help Enzo Fernandez’s attacking output at Chelsea
Football Insider verdict
The groin injury that Palmer suffered during the warm-up before Chelsea’s win over West Ham was a cause for concern for the Blues faithful and Maresca at the London Stadium.
However, any worries were swiftly eased when the Stamford Bridge outfit reacted to a 1-0 deficit by coming away with a 5-1 victory in East London.
Maresca will hope that Palmer’s injury is not a long one, but Fernandez has proven that he can step up to the goal-scoring plate in the England international’s absence.
| Enzo Fernandez stats | Premier League 2025/26 |
| Appearances | 2 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
If the former Manchester City man is unable to feature in upcoming Premier League clashes with West London rivals Fulham and Brentford on Saturday, 30 August and 13 September, respectively, it could help Fernandez reach the return that Deeney has alluded to.
The ex-Benfica star scored one goal and produced three assists in seven Club World Cup appearances this summer, while his goal against West Ham proves that he can remain an attacking threat in the top flight.