Lionel Messi is full of praise for reported Liverpool target Enzo Fernandez following his ‘spectacular’ performance in Argentina’s 3-0 friendly victory over Honduras this weekend, speaking via La Pagina Millonaria and MSC.
With the Qatar World Cup now just two months away, Benfica playmaker Fernandez has certainly left it late. Fashionably so, you could argue. Because, after an impressive debut performance off the bench against Honduras, he might just have done enough to secure himself a seat on the plane.
The 21-year-old has been in outstanding form since leaving River Plate for Lisbon in an £18 million deal over the summer; Benfica beating Wolverhampton Wanderers to one of South America’s most exciting young talents.
Wolves, it seems, are not giving up just yet however. According to The Sun, Bruno Lage’s side are already planning to test Benfica’s resolve with a big-money January bid. Liverpool are also keeping tabs on Fernandez’s development, per Sky Sports, with Jurgen Klopp going public in his desire for an injection of fresh midfield blood.
Enzo Fernandez shines on Argentina debut
“They are two kids that we already knew; both with a big future,” Argentina captain Messi says of both Fernandez and fellow Albiceleste debutant Thiago Almada.
“Enzo is very intelligent. They are both very good. (Enzo) is a player with a lot of personality, a good pass. I think they are two spectacular players.”
Fernandez will face competition from the likes of Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso and Brighton’s Alexis MacAllister as he looks to secure a place in Argentina’s starting XI for ahead of the World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on November 22nd.
“Playing with Lio (gives me) enormous happiness. A dream come true,” Fernandez adds.
“Since last year, I had been thinking about the possibility of playing with him. I dreamed about it all the time. Today, I had the opportunity and I really enjoyed it.
“Obviously, I have a chance of going to the World Cup.”
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