TOP OF THE CROPS
Chelsea fans baffled to discover Enzo Fernandez’s farm-related nickname for returning Reece James
Supporters try to work out what the tag means... and the answer could lie in South America!
ENZO FERNANDEZ sparked a "farmyard 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."
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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's Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest.
But supporters appeared 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 on the Euro 2024 hopeful's next career move.
Noting the Tractor Boys' promotion to the Prem, one fan predicted: "He’s joining Ipswich, lads."
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However, James' fitness issues over the past few years have led to many a furrowed brow.
And England boss Gareth Southgate has urged the 16-cap star to develop his "physical resistance".
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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.
On the other hand, it's close to home for Argentinian World Cup winner Fernandez.
Well-travelled fans chipped in with posts like: "He’s referring Reece to be as strong as a tractor. In Latin America it's very common to say someone 'hey you’re a tractor' when someone is really strong."
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That certainly ties in with the "absolute unit" verdict on powerfully-built James given by many other supporters.
But now he's fit again, let's just hope his form doesn't blow hot and cold... otherwise, Fernandez could turn into an ex-Tractor fan!