In this analysis, Softfootball provides a critical comparison between Roméo Lavia when fully fit and Enzo Fernández. It is important to note that both players operate in different positions. Enzo Fernández plays in a more advanced midfield role, while Lavia is a natural defensive midfielder.
Before the arrival of Romeo Lavia and Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández often had to adapt deeper in midfield. He officially joined Chelsea from Benfica on 31 January 2023 in a deal worth £106.8 million (€121 million), setting a British transfer record at the time.
He was signed following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, during a period when Chelsea lacked a dominant defensive midfielder. While Enzo possesses physicality and technical ability, a fully fit Lavia is often preferred in the defensive role due to his natural positioning and discipline.
As it stands, the only defensive midfielder at Chelsea who can match Lavia when fit is Moisés Caicedo, who brings his own unique strengths to the role.
Enzo Fernández does contribute goals for Chelsea, which is true. However, this is partly due to the absence of a consistent number 9 in the team. If Chelsea had a more prolific striker, Enzo’s occasional goals would be seen as an added bonus rather than a necessity.
