Enzo Fernández is probably a name few of you are familiar with unless you are a South American reader.
That looks like it could change this summer with Real Madrid, AC Milan, Manchester City and Manchester United all reportedly interested in the River Plate midfielder.
At 21, Fernandez has played little first-team football, but despite this, he is drawing the attention of Europe’s elite.
He could join his teammate Julian Alvarez, who is departing Argentina this summer.
South America has always provided a wealth of talent for the richer European clubs to acquire, and some of the hottest talents in world football started their careers there.
Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Darwin Nunez have trodden the path of starting out in South American leagues, achieving first-team minutes, and then embarking on a move to European football.
So far this season in the Copa De Liga Professional and Copa Libertadores, Enzo Fernandez has been performing well, with nine goals and five assists after returning from his loan spell with Defensa y Justicia.
He has also impressed with his overall contribution to River Plate.
This scout report and tactical analysis will examine the skills and attributes Fernandez brings to his team and what attracts so many elite-level clubs.
It will also address any areas that Fernandez needs to improve on if he is going to take the next step at the likes of Real Madrid.
Enzo Fernández Position
Fernandez is a versatile midfielder, best described as a number eight.
He currently plays on the right side of River Plate’s 4-3-3 tactic.
River Plate under Marcelo Gallardo are a tactically versatile team, so Fernandez is comfortable being asked to perform different roles and tasks.
Fernandez is equally effective in and out of possession.
His in-possession contribution is multifaceted. He can get in the box and score goals, but he can also drop deeper and help break down low blocks.
Defensively he excels in interceptions and counter-pressing, which we will look at further in this analysis.
Below is Fernandezs heat map highlighting the areas and positions on the pitch he regularly takes up.
Enzo Fernández Attacking contribution
With Fernandez adopting a number eight role for River Plate, it requires him to provide the team with various skills in possession.
As mentioned in the introduction, Fernandez has been in great scoring form this season. He can also get himself into the box and put himself in goal-scoring positions.
Ho
