Many of us have dreamed about being a professional footballer. Some have been given the chance to become so, but a very select few have been able to make their mark on football like Luis Fernandez.
Having made his EFL debut at just 17-years-old, clubs from up and down the country have been keeping tabs on the Englishman’s progress for a few seasons now as he continues his journey up the football pyramid.
Now 20, the mobile defender is currently enjoying a season-long loan at National League outfit King’s Lynn from League Two side Stevenage. So far this season he has made seven appearances for the former, as he continues to develop consistency following a loan spell at Oxford City last term before coronavirus curtailed that campaign in February.
Stevenage debut
Talking fondly about his journey, Luis recalled the nature of his first start – lining up for Stevenage against Southend United in the League Cup on August 13, 2019.
Despite being primarily a right-footed centre-back, Fernandez was asked to play at left back. And in spite of the 2-1 loss, the debutant was praised by his manager Dino Maamria for his versatility and level of performance – which he described as a ‘man of the match performance’.
Thinking back to that night, Fernandez told TIBS News: ‘I couldn’t stop smiling. It was a massive shock as I was going to make my debut in front of my home fans and in a position I had never played before. I did the best I could and managed to impress the manager but I was mostly disappointed that we didn’t get the win for the fans.’
After his debut, Fernandez would start three-consecutive league games at centre-back, left-back and right-back as he continued to impress both his team-mates and fans alike. He even received a chant from the Stevenage supporters as a result.
‘It was surreal. It was unbelievable to hear my name sung by thousands of people like that.’
Perhaps the most memorable piece of praise that Fernandez received was from Stevenage’s Head of Youth Development Stephen Payne, who claimed that a 16-year-old Fernandez had a ‘great ability to deal with the pressure environment’ which would put him ‘in good stead for the rest of his career.’
A slight injury would keep him out for a while but through hard work and determination, a quick recovery meant that Fernandez would keep his spot around the first-team squad for the rest of the 2019-20 season – making a further five league starts.
A managerial change at Stevenage at the end of his breakout season would see the bright prospect look elsewhere to help gain experience and work his way into his new manager’s plans.
Oxford City loan spell
This would result in a loan move to National League South side Oxford City and a season that is truly a testament to the quality Luis possesses. He helped the Hoops beat League One opposition Northampton in the FA Cup first round and achieve their best league finish of fourth in a curtailed season. Fernandez proved his reliability and consistency so much so that he ended the term as a fan favourite despite being just a teen.
King’s Lynn loan spell
Having impressed teams with his performances in Oxfordshire, King’s Lynn would be next to sign him on loan as they tried to leave behind pre-season predictions of relegation. Since joining the Lynnets, the London-born player has helped them rise to 19th in the table and to a position of safety. Earning all their points with Fernandez on the pitch, and losing every game he hasn’t played in, it is clear to see the influence he has on his team’s performance.
With his eyes firmly planted on each game as it comes, Fernandez is also aware that his contract is up at the end of the season but is waiting to see what the future holds.
‘I focus on the next game. I am looking forward to whatever challenges and opportunities I might get in the future but right now I am just focused on the present and King’s Lynn.’
By Joshua Stewart
