Ancelotti ‘very impressed’ by FIFA World Cup 2022’s Best Young Player Award winner

According to AS, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been left very impressed by Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, following his exploits at the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Fernandez, 21, has been on the radars of Real Madrid as a possible alternative for main midfield target Jude Bellingham.

The Englishman has been Los Blancos’ top preference to bolster the middle of the park ahead of next season. However, Liverpool are said to be leading the race to sign the teenage sensation, forcing Madrid to look at other options.

Enzo Fernandez has emerged as one such alternative following his impressive start to life in Europe. Indeed, having moved to SL Benfica from River Plate this past summer, the 21-year-old has quickly made a big impression.

The young star enhanced his reputation with a series of solid performances for Argentina at the World Cup, resulting in him winning the Best Young Player of the Tournament Award.

He played 563 minutes across seven matches for the new world champions, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.

And, it is now being claimed that Real Madrid manager Ancelotti has been ‘very impressed’ by Fernandez.

The Merengues will need to start infusing fresh blood into their midfield unit as Luka Modric and Toni Kroos edge closer to their goodbyes. Both the veterans are out of contract at the end of the season and are yet to renew.

While it is expected that the legendary midfield duo will renew for one more year, it would bode well for Real Madrid to start making plans for life after them.

As iterated earlier, Bellingham remains the top priority. But his inflated valuation and Liverpool’s presence in the race make things complicated.

With Ancelotti seemingly being impressed by Enzo Fernandez, it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid are ready to step up their pursuit of the 21-year-old. However, he has a release clause worth €120 million which could be a hindrance.