Chelsea vs PSG: Key player battles that could decide FIFA Club World Cup final
Chelsea vs PSG 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final match. Photo Credit- Skysports
Tonight, Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG) and Chelsea meet in the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. PSG, unbeaten and dominant—recently thrashing Real Madrid 4‑0—are favourites under the tactical mastery of Luis Enrique. Chelsea, guided by Enzo Maresca’s youth‑driven, adventurous style, arrive as determined underdogs. The result may hinge on pivotal individual duels across midfield, wings, and defence.
1. Moisés Caicedo vs Ousmane Dembélé
Caicedo has emerged as Chelsea’s midfield powerhouse and ball-winner. But facing down PSG’s pacey playmaker, Dembélé—fresh from a sensational Champions League campaign (21 Ligue 1 goals, 12 UCL goal contributions)—he faces a major test. Caicedo’s ability to close space and cut off supply before Dembélé picks his lethal moments could determine whether PSG can fully unleash their front three.
2. Enzo Fernández vs Vitinha & Fabián Ruiz
Fernández’s late runs and goal threat form a key part of Chelsea’s offensive play. He’ll go head-to-head with PSG’s midfield axis—Vitinha, the distribution maestro, and Fabián Ruiz, a deep-lying box-crasher. Whoever dominates possession and controls tempo in this midfield battle could sway the game.
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3. Marc Cucurella vs Désiré Doué
Cucurella, Chelsea’s reborn left-back, has impressed amid adversity. On the other flank, PSG’s young winger Doué, Champions League Young Player of the Year, offers explosive pace. Cucurella must match Doué’s intensity in one-on-ones to prevent dangerous transitions.
4. Trevoh Chalobah vs Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Chalobah’s calm passing was key in the semi‑final. Across from him, creative wizard Kvaratskhelia will test Chelsea’s defensive balance with dribbling and unpredictability. If Kvaratskhelia exploits space on the break, PSG could gain early momentum.
5. Defences & Goalkeepers: Sánchez vs Donnarumma
Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez, steady but under scrutiny, faces PSG’s elite goalkeeper Donnarumma. Handling PSG’s high press and swift counters will rely on Sánchez’s composure and distribution. Donnarumma’s presence ensures any defensive error could be severely punished.
Final Verdict & Stakes
PSG’s strength lies in a full‑throttle press, midfield brilliance, and unstoppable wing play. Chelsea, while reinventing under Maresca, must excel in duels—especially Caicedo vs Dembélé and Fernández vs Vitinha/Ruiz. If Chelsea’s young core can absorb PSG’s high-energy style, they’ll stay competitive. But if PSG dominate these key battles, glory looks theirs.