In less than 24 hours, Paris Saint-Germain are set to take the field against Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semi-final. A win would see them face Chelsea, who have already secured their spot in the final following a 2-0 victory over Brazilian side Fluminense.
Chelsea were handed a relatively easier draw compared to PSG, but that doesn’t take away anything from the fact that the English club has performed really well in this tournament. PSG will need to be wary of the threat Chelsea pose, especially from some of their in-form players.
Here are three Chelsea players PSG should watch out for if they make it to the final.
Cole Palmer
Palmer is currently one of the best number 10s in the world. He was the standout player for Chelsea in the 2023/24 season. Although his performances dipped slightly last season under Enzo Maresca, he is regaining his form, evident from his displays in the Club World Cup. PSG defenders will need to stay alert and prevent him from finding space in dangerous areas.
Joao Pedro
Pedro joined Chelsea prior to their quarterfinal matchup against Palmeiras and has already impressed with his performances in just two appearances for the club. Pedro got his first start for Chelsea in the semifinal matchup against Fluminense and went on to score two goals in incredible fashion. He is another player that can cause headaches for PSG if left unchecked.
Pedro Neto
Neto has cemented his place in the Chelsea starting lineup after a somewhat slow start to life in Blue. He is having an impressive run in this tournament as well and has scored three goals for Chelsea already, alongside some impressive overall wing play.
PSG and Chelsea last met in 2016 in the round of 16 of the Champions League. PSG ended up winning 2-1 in both legs of that tie. However, a lot has changed since then, and both teams look very different today, and it could prove to be another nail-biter of a match.
That said, for now, PSG must focus on clearing the Real Madrid hurdle first. The match starts on 9th July at 3:00 PM ET (7:00 PM GMT/UTC) at the MetLife Stadium in the USA.
Image credit – Paris Saint-Germain Football Club