"Different class" - Paul Merson names Chelsea superstar who is a 'cut above' his teammates 

Paul Merson has lavished praise on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez but reckons the Argentine may be growing impatient with his club's struggles.

Fernandez joined the Blues in January for a then-club record £106.8 million from Benfica. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has made an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge albeit during a period when his side are faltering.

The 22-year-old has made 27 appearances across competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists. He has pulled the strings in the heart of Chelsea's midfield with his superb passing range and impressive IQ.

Fernandez is still adapting to life in English football but has been a standout performer for the Pride of London. He arrived off a breakout 2022 World Cup campaign, bagging one goal and an assist in seven games as Argentina won the competition.

Merson has lauded Fernandez as Mauricio Pochettino's protagonist, claiming him to be the best of the crop (via English journalist Simon Phillips):

"Enzo Fernandez is different class - a cut above the rest. But how long will he stand for this?”

The pundit was alluding to the dismal form his side have been in since he arrived at the club. They finished 12th last season. and Fernandez has only been on the winning side four times in 22 league games.

The Blues' latest setback under Pochettino came against Nottingham Forest on Saturday (September 2). Anthony Elanga's first-half strike stunned the hosts at Stamford Bridge, meaning they have won just one of their opening four games.

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Chelsea will exceed expectations if they finish in top four - Paul Merson

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has splashed the cash.

Merson has backed Pochettino to turn things around at Chelsea amid their miserable start to the season. Many expected big things from the west Londoners after they had spent over £392.4 million on new signings.

The likes of Moises Caicedo (£115 million), Romeo Lavia (£50 million) and Cole Palmer (£42.5 million) have arrived. However, the Blues are into their second season under their new owners and still don't look like a complete side.

Merson has doubts about their top-four credentials and reckons Pochettino could find his reign hard (via the aforementioned source):

“Mauricio Pochettino will get it right because he’s a good manager, but it’s going to be hard. If they get in the top four then they will be pulling up trees."

The Arsenal legend questioned the club's transfer strategy, which has seen them sign similar players:

“They’ve bought too many players that are the same."

The likes of Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke only joined the club in January. Nevertheless, the Blues signed Palmer who's a similar profile to both wingers.

It's clear that there are still glaring issues with the Blues despite their huge outlay. Pochettino is tasked with revitalising one of the Premier League's sleeping giants.