Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has raised concerns over Enzo Fernandez’s adaptability to the Premier League, suggesting the club’s £105 million midfielder may not yet be a perfect fit for English football.

Fernandez arrived at Stamford Bridge in January 2023, setting a British transfer record after his stellar performances for Argentina during their victorious 2022 World Cup campaign.

However, despite his undoubted technical quality and flashes of brilliance, Fernandez has struggled to consistently deliver on the grand stage that is the Premier League.

With manager Enzo Maresca recently forming a more stable lineup, Fernandez has found himself lower in the midfield pecking order, with Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia stepping into the spotlight.

The Argentine hasn’t started a Premier League game since early October, as Maresca praised the Caicedo-Lavia partnership for offering “better balance” in midfield. Yet, the Chelsea boss has hinted that Fernandez remains a key component in his long-term plans for the Blues.

Gallas, though, is not convinced. Speaking to Prime Casino, the former Chelsea center-back expressed doubts about Fernandez’s suitability for the physically demanding Premier League.

“Enzo Fernandez is different. Even if he’s got good quality, we know the Premier League is very tough,” Gallas said. “The Premier League is not for everybody, we know that. He has to lift his fitness. He has to do more; he has to run more. He has to be more consistent as well.”

Gallas emphasized the immense demands placed on a Premier League midfielder, especially one tasked with a near box-to-box role.

“That’s why the position he plays is so difficult. What do we ask him to do? To give some assists, to score goals, to play almost as a box-to-box,” Gallas continued. “Can he do this? I don’t know if he can really play box-to-box. He needs to either start scoring goals or providing assists.”

Fernandez, who recently came off the bench against Manchester United, saw an opportunity to prove his quality slip away when he failed to secure a decisive goal for the Blues. Gallas acknowledged the importance of such moments, saying, “Against Man Utd, he had the opportunity to score the second goal for Chelsea that would have won them the game. So, there will be moments for him, and he needs to take them.”

The Argentine has gone from vice-captain to squad player, something Gallas believes must serve as motivation.

“He was a vice-captain, and at the moment he’s on the bench. He knows he has to do more, and other players know they will need to keep performing to keep their place in the team,” Gallas added.

While Gallas’ words may sting, many Chelsea fans hope Fernandez can prove his critics wrong and rise to the demands of the Premier League. As the season progresses, Fernandez has the chance to show his grit, adapt, and shine, solidifying his place in Chelsea’s midfield and fulfilling the promise that came with his record-breaking price tag.