“What a player” – 126 touches, 108 passes Chelsea star was amazing for his country
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chelsea’s Momentum Paused as International Break Takes Centre Stage
Chelsea’s strong run of five consecutive wins came to an end just before the international break, as Nottingham Forest held them to a frustrating draw at Stamford Bridge. Despite the stumble, Chelsea’s early-season form suggests that the decision to replace Mauricio Pochettino with Enzo Maresca was the right call.
Maresca’s Impact at Chelsea
Since arriving from Leicester, Maresca has transformed Chelsea from a team lacking direction into a genuine contender for a top-four finish. The turnaround is impressive, especially given the bloated squad and chaotic state the club was in last season. While the rapid progress has surprised some, the quality of the team means Chelsea’s strong start shouldn’t be too shocking. With a talented group of players, many have hit the ground running, making their 2024/25 campaign one to watch.
But how did Chelsea’s top players fare during the international break?
Chelsea Players’ Performances During the October Break
England Call-ups
For England, it’s been an eventful international window. Chelsea stars Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Levi Colwill have returned with fresh news that former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will take over as England’s manager in 2025. Palmer, who’s had a stellar season so far with six goals in as many games, continues to shine. While he didn’t score or assist over the break, he was named England Player of the Year—a testament to his growing influence.
Levi Colwill, however, had a mixed international break. He was left out of England’s win over Finland but featured in their dramatic loss to Greece. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke has remained a key player, although his influence wasn’t as prominent this time around.
Nkunku and Felix’s International Showings
Christopher Nkunku had a productive break for France, netting a goal in their 4-1 victory over Israel. For Portugal, Joao Felix had limited opportunities, coming off the bench for just two minutes in their 0-0 draw against Scotland after being benched in the 3-1 win over Poland. His Portuguese teammate, Pedro Neto, played no part in the Scotland match but did start against Poland, creating one key pass and completing all three dribbles he attempted.
Enzo Fernandez Shines for Argentina
Argentine maestro Enzo Fernandez returned to action for Argentina, continuing the fine form that helped them win the Copa America. While Argentina was held to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela, they demolished Bolivia 6-0, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick.
Although Fernandez didn’t get on the scoresheet, his performance against Bolivia was nothing short of exceptional. He dominated the midfield, earning an 8/10 match rating from GOAL, who praised his calm and composed play. The numbers back it up: Fernandez had 126 touches and completed 108 of his 113 passes, the highest in both categories for any player on the field. He also won three of his six duels and completed seven of his nine long passes, showing his exceptional range and vision.
While Fernandez hasn’t fully hit his stride in a Chelsea shirt this season, this performance is a reminder of his immense quality. No doubt, Maresca will be hoping for similar displays when club action resumes.
