Enzo received 36 per cent of the vote cast by Blues supporters on the Chelsea Official App, edging out Joao Pedro, who picked up 32 per cent.

In what was a tough game against a Brentford side flying high in the Premier League, Fernandez showed his battling qualities and a touch of class to help us to three precious points on his 25th birthday.

Persistence pays off

Fernandez came out on top in a game-high eight out of the ten duels he contested, and his three tackles won was bettered only by his midfield partner-in-crime Moises Caicedo, who was successful with five.

Fernandez’s pressing forced the opening goal. He harried Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard and Yehor Yarmolyuk into playing short passes on the edge of their own box, before closing down Michael Kayode’s clearance.

His block ran kindly to Joao Pedro – who finished with aplomb – and though there was a touch of fortune in what will go down as a Fernandez assist, his persistence deserved it.

Getting us on the front foot

When we had possession, the Argentinean was influential throughout. Only Trevoh Chalobah spent more time on the ball or completed more accurate passes than Fernandez of those in blue. His 64 touches ranked in the top three for Chelsea players.

He was the outright leader for us in terms of key passes, with three, while his two successful dribbles was a joint game-high figure, underlining his desire to get us on the front foot by beating a Brentford man.

Fernandez was heavily involved in the final third, completing 13 passes in that part of the pitch – the joint-second most of anyone – with an impressive accuracy of 92 per cent.

Key combinations

He notably linked up with Joao Pedro and especially Alejandro Garnacho (eight times), with his compatriot’s direct running down the left a key attacking source for us before the break. When Garnacho was replaced by Andrey Santos on the hour, Fernandez seamlessly moved into a more advanced role, while offering extra protection as Brentford tried to find a way back into the game.

Fernandez’s seven final-third entries, meanwhile – achieved through carries and passes – was the highest figure of any Chelsea outfielder. Those numbers epitomise just how pivotal the midfielder was to our best attacking moves, while his defensive fortitude and diligent positioning out of possession helped keep the Bees at bay.

Three points and a POTM performance was the best birthday present Enzo could have asked for!