Joe Cole heaped praise on Enzo Fernandez following Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds, labelling the midfielder a 'fighter' and a 'warrior' after an 'outstanding' match-winning display at Wembley.
Fernandez made the breakthrough for Chelsea in the 23rd minute, heading home Pedro Neto's cross after a dominant start from the Blues. Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both squandered golden opportunities in the second period, with Robert Sanchez standing strong in what was a defiant response to his doubters.
While there were some nervous moments for Chelsea in the closing stages, the eight-time FA Cup winners held firm to secure their place in the final of the competition for the 17th time in their history. Calum McFarlane, who took over the reins from Liam Rosenior on an interim basis after Chelsea's league defeat to Brighton, will lead the club into this year's final against Manchester City on May 16.
Fernandez had received his fair share of criticism heading into Sunday's semi-final on the back of his remarks he made in the media, questioning the decision to dismiss Rosenior's predecessor Enzo Maresca. But the Argentina international, Chelsea's all-time record signing, did his talking on the pitch at Wembley – and Cole was full of praise shortly after the final whistle.
Giving his immediate reaction to the win on TNT Sports' commentary, Cole also made sure to highlight the impressive performances of Sanchez and centre-back duo Trevor Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo.
'That's what the fans want to see, they want to see fight and that little spark that was in there,' Cole, who won two FA Cups with Chelsea, said. 'I thought the midfield was excellent and they dominated possession. They played like a team full of confidence and that takes a lot when you've had a low spell.
'Listen, it's another cup final for the club and whatever happens with this football club over the last two decades, you have to keep getting to finals, you have to keep winning.
'It's down to those players and they stood up today. You give them credit, I thought Robert Sanchez was outstanding in goal.
'Trevor Chalobah at the back with Tosin Adarabioyo, strong, resilient, dealt with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
'That man [Enzo Fernandez] I thought was outstanding. There were a lot of question marks on him with his comments made, but when he steps onto the pitch he's a fighter and he's a warrior.'
Cole went on to applaud McFarlane for the work he had done in taking charge of a down-and-out squad in such difficult circumstances.
'That's what you want and I'm really pleased with this group of players because it's been a difficult week for them,' Cole added. 'Callum McFarlane as well, it's a meteoric rise, but you're Chelsea manager and you've taken them to the FA Cup final so big-up to him.'
Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard echoed Cole's comments, claiming there were 'a lot of positives' to take from the game from a Chelsea perspective.
'I was impressed with Chelsea in the second half, even when Leeds were coming into the game a bit,' Gerrard said. 'The game-management, the structure, the shape, I thought they managed it really well.
'Defensively, clean sheet. A lot to build on, a lot of positives.'
