Manchester City’s record-breaking £125m debutant, Enzo Fernandez, got thrown into the deep end for an unexpected start this week, just weeks after being sent off in the World Cup final. Talk about a whirlwind! From that huge disgrace on the global stage to being parachuted straight into City’s lineup, it’s been an absolutely wild ride for the Argentinian midfielder, even if this debut was the calm after the storm.
The Most Expensive Debutant Ever Gets a Rocky Welcome
City planned to ease their British record signing into action, maybe a watching brief at first, but then Nico O’Reilly suffered a back problem in the warm-up, forcing Fernandez into the starting eleven. He instantly formed half of the Premier League’s costliest midfield double act alongside the £116m Elliot Anderson, who used to be City’s record buy himself. Fernandez played as the No 8, given more freedom to push forward, and even with only 25 minutes played since that World Cup final, he showed the sharpness to make an impact. Yet, despite his prominence, the performance was ultimately “more encouraging than astounding.” He even almost snagged an assist with a hooked ball to Erling Haaland for a tap-in, only for it to be ruled offside. Still, he played a crucial part in the winner, feeding Antoine Semenyo, who then whipped in a cross that Haaland met with a bullet header. So, he was the instigator, setting up the pass before the pass, which is a big deal in this game.
Another Keeper Saved the Day While Cherki Shone
But here’s the kicker: despite all the hype around the £125m man, if City could thank *one* deadline-day signing for their home victory that topped the table, it wasn’t Fernandez. It was Gianluigi Donnarumma, who arrived last summer and made three absolutely terrific saves. That’s a huge shoutout for a keeper when the most expensive debutant is also on the field! And let’s be real, the outstanding outfield player, the guy who created most of the eye-catching moments, was Rayan Cherki. He was the best player on the pitch, hands down. And Fernandez? Opposition supporters booed him! Coventry fans even dished out taunts as he was subbed off, a sure sign that his notoriety is growing, and not always in a good way.
Maresca’s Honest Take on the New Blood
City manager Enzo Maresca, who also coached Fernandez at Chelsea, called it an “ideal start” for his former player. He knows what he’s getting, saying, “It is much more easy with a player you already share time together because they know exactly what you want. We know each other very well and I know he is going to help the team win games.” That’s a vote of confidence right there. But Maresca wasn’t quite as effusive about City’s other deadline-day arrival, Iliman Ndiaye, who made his bow after a £60m move from Everton. Maresca said, “Most of the time he was moving in the wrong way but he needs to learn.” He wasn’t trying to be harsh, just emphasizing that Ndiaye needs to be in the final third more and stop dropping deep. So, one new face slots right in, another has some learning to do. It’ll be interesting to see how both integrate as the season moves forward.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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