Enzo Fernandez gesture speaks volumes about his character as Ajax lose the plot at Chelsea

Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez displayed his leadership qualities during the Blues’ 5-1 win over Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge

Enzo Fernandez demonstrated his true character during Chelsea’s 5-1 victory against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League. In the closing moments of the first half at Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old midfielder passed on the chance to double his tally for the night when the Blues were awarded a second penalty.

Youri Baas fouled Estevao Willian in the box deep into stoppage time. Fernandez, who had already scored from the spot a few minutes earlier, handed the responsibility to the 18-year-old winger.

The Argentina international gave the ball to Estevao and gave him a kiss. As the teenage sensation prepared to take the penalty, Wout Weghorst stepped in, earning himself a yellow card from referee Felix Zwayer.

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Estevao, who arrived from Palmeiras in the summer, found the top left corner, scoring his first goal on the European stage. In doing so, the Brazilian became the youngest player to score in the Champions League for Chelsea since Marc Guiu, who had netted his first about half an hour earlier.

Ajax lost their grip on the match before half-time, having had a player sent off and conceded two penalties, trailing 4-1 at the break. Chelsea added just one more in the second half, but with the game already won, they didn’t have to push too hard.

Estevao has made a fantastic start to his career at Stamford Bridge, and Fernandez always believed he would excel.

Speaking to the FIFA website over the summer, after facing off at the Club World Cup, the Chelsea midfielder said: “We’re delighted with the team’s development and every player that’s come in under Enzo [Maresca].

“We’ve been on an upward trajectory since we started to work with him. Enzo has brought structure and order to our team.

“We’ve been improving day in, day out, and I think today proved how far we’ve come. We could see his potential out there.

“He showcased that in the match, but he’s been doing so for Palmeiras for a long time now. The new players who come in are always willing to knuckle down, and I think Enzo has put those foundations in place with his clarity.”

Recently, Maresca gave Estevao the utmost praise, likening him to Cole Palmer. Earlier this month, speaking to Sky Sports, the Chelsea boss said: “Yes, he’s a very young player, born in 2007, and he’s just turned 18.

“He arrived with his family, and we did everything we could to make him feel at ease. The club was good, but the truth is that he’s a strong player.

“He reminds me a lot of Cole Palmer, even physically. He has the same footballing maturity despite his age.”

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