Chelsea’s latest signing, Enzo Fernandez, arrived at the club as a World Cup winner with Argentina.
However, the 22-year-old revealed he learned from one of the Blues’ former academy stars, Declan Rice.
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Rice is a key player for West Ham
Rice, who is now at West Ham, has emerged as one of England’s finest midfielders in recent years.
His impressive performances for east London appear to have extended outside the country, with Fernandez clearly enjoying what he is seeing.
Speaking in a interview during the World Cup, he said: “I try to watch football as much as possible and learn a bit from everyone.
“I like Rice from England, I try to watch him and learn.”
Rice was released from Chelsea’s academy at the age of 14 and eventually moved on to West Ham.
He made his first senior appearance for the club in 2017 and is now captain of David Moyes’ side.
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Fernandez is a newcomer to the Premier League
Despite being released nearly a decade ago. Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for the midfielder in recent seasons.
If they did sign him, he would likely link up with Fernandez in the Blues’ midfield, with the Argentine already picking up minutes under his belt for his new club.
Fernandez was Chelsea’s eighth signing of the January transfer window, with the Blues spending almost £300million on the new arrivals.
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Fernandez made his Chelsea debut in the derby with Fulham on Friday
If Chelsea owner Todd Boehly wanted to pair Fernandez and Rice in midfield, he would probably have to break the British record again.
West Ham manager David Moyes said: “I don’t know if I need to say the words, I think you can say the words if you watched it the way I saw it.
“I thought he was a top player in the first half, he really was, he showed so much.
“Declan will undoubtedly be a top player.
“And no doubt he will be a British transfer record and more each time he leaves West Ham.”
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