Fernández endured an uneven 2025-26 campaign at Chelsea, working under three managers and playing spells either too wide or too deep. Argentina have used him differently. Lionel Scaloni has given him licence to press, control the tempo and arrive in the penalty area.
That freedom has brought goals against Egypt and England, but the tactical explanation is more important than the headline returns. Argentina appear to have settled on what Fernández does best, while Chelsea are still assessing how to maximise him.
Merino’s case is similar. He missed four months of Arsenal’s title-winning season with a foot injury and was not always certain of a starting place under Mikel Arteta. Spain, despite competition in midfield, have trusted him in decisive matches. His goals against Portugal and Belgium helped carry them towards the final.
Havertz started only seven Premier League games after a long-term injury and shared minutes with Viktor Gyökeres at Arsenal. Germany, however, continued to use him as their main number nine. He scored twice against Curaçao and added another against Paraguay, taking his international record to 25 goals in 62 appearances.
Olmo also found a more defined stage. He recorded eight goals and nine assists in 49 appearances for Barcelona last season, but Spain have used him as a natural number 10. After a nine-minute cameo against Cape Verde, he entered the starting side against Saudi Arabia and became a primary creator.
National teams offer fewer matches, more settled hierarchies and concentrated tournament momentum. Clubs demand weekly consistency, defensive discipline and adaptation to changing opponents.
The next test comes when these players return to domestic football. Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona will all want the World Cup versions to survive beyond the tournament - not as temporary bursts, but as evidence that the right role can unlock them permanently.