Mateus Fernandes has just outdone even Declan Rice for extraordinary West Ham stat
Mateus Fernandes is quickly becoming one of the Premier League’s best young midfielders.
West Ham signed Fernandes from Southampton for around £40million in the summer, and the 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength at the London Stadium.
After being used sporadically by Graham Potter, the Portugal under-21 international has become instrumental under Nuno Espirito Santo, cementing his place in the starting lineup.
Capable of playing as a wide playmaker or central midfielder, Fernandes impressed alongside Guido Rodriguez on Sunday afternoon as West Ham drew 1-1 against Brighton.
Mateus Fernandes tops incredible Premier League stat
When Jarrod Bowen fired home a goal in the 73rd minute, the visitors thought they’d secured a priceless three points, but their hearts were unfortunately broken by Georginio Rutter’s stoppage-time equaliser.
A point at the AMEX Stadium left the Hammers in 18th position, only two points behind Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.
On an afternoon where Bowen earned the plaudits with his goal, Fernandes was exceptional in the heart of Nuno’s midfield and produced a dominant performance.
| Mateus Fernandes stats vs Brighton |
| 83 minutes played |
| 24/28 accurate passes (86%) |
| 3/3 successful dribbles |
| 5 fouls drawn |
| 16/17 ground duels won |
| 5/8 tackles won |
| 6 recoveries |
Fernandes was near-faultless in possession and was even better off the ball. According to Opta, the former Southampton man won 16 duels against Brighton, the most by any player in a Premier League game this season.
That is even more than Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, who has inarguably been the best midfielder in the top-flight this term, especially for winning possession back.
West Ham sold Rice for a whopping £105m in 2023, and if Fernandes continues on his current trajectory, he could be the next player to leave the London Stadium for a nine-figure sum.
Fernandes can go all the way to the top
In just a short space of time in East London, Fernandes has established himself as arguably their most important player behind Bowen.
Aged just 21, the youngster has a maturity to his game that his rare to come by, and he seems to get better every week.
Fernandes is developing into a complete midfielder, combining press resistance with an incredible passing range and a relentless energy to recover the ball.
West Ham fans will just hope he remains at the club for years to come, as he seems destined to play for a Champions League club.