Comparing Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez’s 2022-23 stats

Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez have established themselves as two of the best young midfielders in Europe, with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid reportedly chasing their signatures – but how do the two players compare to one another?

Bellingham has long been on elite clubs’ radar as a potentially once-in-a-generation prospect. Having made his debut for boyhood club Birmingham City at the age of just 16, he signed for Borussia Dortmund back in 2020.

Now into his third season with the Bundesliga giants, Bellingham has become one of the outstanding players in his position in Europe’s major leagues. He doesn’t turn 20 until the summer and looks destined to follow Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland as the next rising star to depart for a big-money fee.

He was outstanding for England at the World Cup and barely a day goes by without him being linked with a return to the Premier League. Liverpool are said to be actively pursuing Bellingham, but Real Madrid and Chelsea are also reportedly keeping tabs on the England international. Whoever gets him are sure to get a surge of backers in football betting markets.

Enzo Fernandez, meanwhile, only moved to Benfica from River Plate in the summer – for an initial fee of just €10million – but his rise has been so rapid that he’s expected to depart the Estadio da Luz very soon.

The Argentinian midfielder is believed to have a €120million release clause, while Benfica are reportedly holding out for it to be paid in full.

His stock has risen exponentially after shining for the Portuguese giants so far this season; he’s been one of their standout players as they’ve built a healthy lead at the top of the Primeira Liga and beat PSG to the top spot in their Champions League group.

The 21-year-old then starred for Argentina as they lifted the World Cup in Qatar. He played every minute of the knockout stages and was deservedly named the young player of the tournament at Qatar 2022.

A number of clubs are interested in signing the World Cup winner, but according to reports, it’s Chelsea that are closest to making a move happen in the January transfer window.

“There’s no doubt that they are focusing on Enzo Fernandez, but not at all costs,” said transfer specialist David Ornstein in a recent media appearance.

“Reports that they have agreed or are on the verge are agreeing a deal – is my understanding – are not quite accurate. That’s not to say that they won’t. It’s to say that they won’t be held to ransom. They’re going to be disciplined in this situation.

“They’re only going to pay what they’re comfortable with. So when you see the release clause reported at €127million and you see suggestions that Chelsea are going to pay that, or pay even more – we’ve got to be careful there, because Chelsea will pay what they feel is right.”

Ornstein cited Bellingham as one of Chelsea’s alternative options to Fernandez.

It will be fascinating to see where the two hot prospects eventually end up, be it this window or in the summer.

But how do the two players stack up against one another? We’ve taken a look at their stats this season, from the Bundesliga and Primeira Liga respectively, to see how Fernandez and Bellingham compare.

Goals

Jude Bellingham – 3
Enzo Fernandez – 1

Captain. Starboy. Jude Bellingham 🦁#UCL pic.twitter.com/ltGfI7uUrp

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 5, 2022

Assists
Enzo Fernandez – 3
Jude Bellingham – 2

Minutes per goal or assist
Jude Bellingham – 270.0
Enzo Fernandez – 280.0

Chances created per 90 minutes
Enzo Fernandez – 2.0
Jude Bellingham – 1.0

Successful dribbles per 90 minutes (success rate)
Jude Bellingham – 2.0 (46.5%)
Enzo Fernandez – 0.3 (33%)

Passes per 90 minutes (passing accuracy)
Enzo Fernandez – 106.7 (89.3%)
Jude Bellingham – 51.9 (82.5%)

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Successful tackles per 90 minutes
Jude Bellingham – 3.2 (91.4%)
Enzo Fernandez – 2.2 (62.9%)

Shots per 90 minutes (inside penalty area)
Enzo Fernandez – 2.2 (0.5)
Jude Bellingham – 2.1 (1.1)

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