Enzo Fernandez has already discovered one of the biggest weapons at his disposal at Manchester City — and he cannot wait to use it again.
The Argentine midfielder made an instant connection with Erling Haaland during City’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League victory over FC Porto, delivering the cross that helped the Norwegian striker open his European account for the season.
Haaland was frustrated during the first half as Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa produced two spectacular saves to deny him.
But the City striker eventually broke through after the interval, rising to meet Fernández’s curling cross and heading the ball beyond Costa.
That was only the beginning.
Haaland struck again in stoppage time to seal City’s victory and underline once more why he remains one of the most feared finishers in world football.
The brace also pushed him to 167 goals for Manchester City, moving him into third place on the club’s all-time scoring list by overtaking Tommy Johnson.
His European numbers were equally impressive. Haaland’s second goal took him level with Sergio Aguero’s Manchester City Champions League tally of 35 goals.
For Fernández, however, the most exciting part could be what comes next.
The deadline-day signing is already thinking about supplying Haaland with more chances after seeing first-hand what the striker can do with quality service.
“Haaland is an animal, a beast,” he said in an interview after the game. “Every time I’m on the pitch I will look for him.
“Hopefully I can give him more assists.
“Haaland is not just a great player but an amazing human being as well and he welcomed me here and has helped me.
“I’m so happy, they welcomed me from the first minute when I walked into the door. Not just brilliant players but they’re amazing human beings and they’ve all been so kind to me.
“The fans have been absolutely brilliant and it is a new step in my career. I’m so excited to get going.”
That relationship could become one of the most dangerous combinations in City’s attack as the season progresses.
Fernández already knows what his new manager expects. The midfielder previously worked under Enzo Maresca during their time together at Chelsea, and that familiarity played an important role in his decision to make the move to Manchester.
Now, he wants to repay the faith shown in him.
“I’m so happy that Maresca did all he could to make this move possible,” he continued. “I know him so well from Chelsea.”
“I’m so grateful. I will give 100% in every training session and in every match to repay him.”
For Maresca, having a midfielder who can consistently create opportunities for Haaland could prove priceless.
The Porto victory offered an early glimpse of that partnership. Fernández supplied the delivery, Haaland supplied the finish, and City walked away from the Estádio do Dragão with three valuable Champions League points.
It was also an important night for Haaland personally.
After being denied twice in the opening 45 minutes, he responded exactly as elite strikers do — with patience, precision and goals.
Fernández, meanwhile, has wasted no time embracing his new surroundings.
He has already found Haaland on the scoresheet and made his intentions clear: whenever he sees the Norwegian in space, he will be looking for him.
If that understanding continues to develop, Manchester City’s new era under Maresca could have another frightening attacking combination ready to explode.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
