ENZO FERNANDEZ sparked a mystery amongst Chelsea fans by revealing his nickname for Reece James.
The midfielder welcomed the England defender’s latest recovery from injury by posting on his Instagram story: “The tractor is back.”
GettyEnzo Fernandez hailed Reece James’ return to fitness and surprised supporters with his label for the England star[/caption]
James, seen fending off Moises Caicedo, has trained hard after injuryGetty
Marauding James is better known for tracking back – as well as his attacking forays.
And the 24-year-old, who was appointed Blues‘ skipper last summer, made the squad for Saturday evening’s Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest.
But supporters seemed just as interested in Fernandez‘s label for his team-mate as they were by James’ long-awaited return.
One suggested: “That’s cause Reece is gonna be farming assists this season, let’s go.”
Another said: “Ploughing up and down the right flank.”
And many derived a free range of puns from James’ farm-based tag.
Top of the crops on that front was a prediction from one fan on the Euro 2024 hopeful’s next career move.
Noting the Tractor Boys’ promotion to the Prem, he predicted: “He’s joining Ipswich, lads.”
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James’ fitness issues over the past few years have certainly led to many a furrowed brow.
And England boss Gareth Southgate has urged the 16-cap star to develop his “physical resistance”.
But for now Blues’ supporters are just delighted to see him back.
Some also believe Fernandez’s message for James highlights a strong bond in the Chelsea squad as Mauricio Pochettino’s men surge into form.
One fan wondered: “Are other clubs this cute and I don’t know it or we’re just extra cute?”
Another expressed the same feeling more agriculturally, as he wrote: “I f***ing love this team”s connection.”
But as supporters strained to work out the real reason Fernandez calls James “The Tractor,” they had to go to the other side of the globe to find the probable answer.
However, it’s close to home for Argentinian World Cup winner Fernandez.
A few well-travelled fans made posts like this: “He’s referring Reece is as strong as tractor. In Latin America is very common to say someone “hey you’re a tractor” (Sos un tractor) when someone is really strong.”
That ties in with the “absolute unit” verdict on powerfully-built James given by many other supporters.
Let’s just hope his form doesn’t blow hot and cold… otherwise, Fernandez could turn into an ex-Tractor fan!
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