Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has identified former player Frank Lampard as his football idol, stating his ambition to emulate the England international’s legacy at the club. The Argentina international, who joined Chelsea in 2023, made the remarks ahead of the Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Fernandez, speaking to broadcast media, highlighted the profound influence Lampard has had on his approach to the game since his arrival from Benfica. “Frank Lampard is an inspiration. I have watched a lot of videos of him since coming to Chelsea,” Fernandez said. “He is an idol, and I hope to follow in his footsteps at Chelsea.”
The comments underscore Fernandez’s respect for one of Chelsea’s most celebrated figures. Lampard, who made over 600 appearances for the club between 1995 and 2014, remains its all-time leading goalscorer and is revered for his pivotal role in multiple title-winning sides. His reputation as a prolific, box-to-box midfielder sets a significant benchmark within the club’s modern history.
For Fernandez, the admiration is rooted in a deliberate study of Lampard’s gameplay. The 23-year-old, a key member of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, is seeking to adapt those lessons to his own role in Chelsea’s midfield. His statement arrives as he establishes himself under new management, following a high-profile €121 million transfer from Benfica in January 2023.
The significance of Fernandez’s declaration extends beyond personal ambition. It signal a continuity of respect for Chelsea’s club icons among new signings. By publicly aligning his career aspirations with Lampard’s legacy, Fernandez reinforces a connection to the club’s established standards of performance and leadership.
His on-field actions will ultimately define this emulation, but the explicit intent to mirror a club legend’s impact offers a clear narrative for his development at Stamford Bridge. Observers will note whether Fernandez’s style evolves to reflect the driving runs, long-range shooting, and tactical intelligence that defined Lampard’s prime years.
The upcoming match against Wolves provides the latest stage for Fernandez to demonstrate progress in that direction. His performance and continued growth are closely watched as Chelsea looks to build a new core around talents who embrace the club’s historical benchmarks.
