With just one match left to play, Chelsea Football Club stands on the edge of history. One final step remains in what has become a surprising and spirited run in the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup. After a clinical and commanding 2–0 win against Fluminense in the semifinals, attention now turns to the bigger picture.
Before we break down the full squad and what the future might look like, it’s only fair to pause and appreciate what we’ve just witnessed. The story of Chelsea FC is no longer just about winning matches. It is about growth, trust, patience, and the courage to write new history with old ink. The old ink here is legacy. The new paper is a youthful squad led by a bold manager who dares to dream differently.
As Chelsea seals a place in the Club World Cup final, it’s hard not to feel the weight of what’s unfolding. This is more than just another final. It is a statement.
Joao Pedro, who arrived only seven days ago, scored both goals that secured the semifinal victory. His performance wasn’t just impressive. It was a warning to everyone in the squad. Competition for places is real. Slip, even slightly, and someone hungrier will step in.
Pedro had not scored two open-play goals in a single game in over two years. Yet, in only his second match for Chelsea, and his first start, he did it on one of the biggest stages in club football. He didn’t just rise to the occasion. He embraced it. And when a coach like Enzo Maresca rewards hard work and readiness over reputation, it reminds us that no name is bigger than effort.
It wasn’t just Pedro who stood out. Enzo Fernández, often criticised in recent months, provided a key assist. Cucurella made a crucial goal-line clearance that prevented Fluminense from equalising. That moment shifted the match. One mistake there and the entire game could have taken a different turn.
And then there’s the tactical mind behind it all. Maresca was bold. At times, Nkunku and Pedro Neto switched flanks. Malo Gusto pushed higher than usual. Cole Palmer, tightly marked in the first half, suddenly found space and freedom. The tempo increased. The movement was sharper. For once, Chelsea looked like a team with cohesion.
The numbers tell their own story.
Fluminense came into the match with experience and composure. But Chelsea showed that youth isn’t a weakness. It’s a weapon. The average age of Chelsea’s starting eleven was just 25. Fluminense’s was 31. Their oldest player was 44, while Chelsea’s oldest starter was only 27. Youth met experience. And youth prevailed.
For the record, Chelsea are now the first club to reach the final of the new FIFA Club World Cup format. Their journey:
Six matches. Five wins. One loss. Fourteen goals scored. Only five conceded.
And there’s more than pride at stake. Chelsea have already earned 110 million dollars from this tournament. If they win the final, that figure rises to 150 million. In a time of tight financial regulations and scrutiny from UEFA, that money matters.
So Where Do We Go From Here?
This Club World Cup campaign hasn’t just been about winning. It has given us clarity. And in football, clarity is everything, especially with the transfer window wide open.
Let’s begin with the attack. Joao Pedro, Delap, and Jackson are emerging as the front three options for the coming season. Pedro and Jackson bring versatility and energy. Delap offers a more traditional striker’s profile. Healthy competition among them will only raise their levels.
Pedro Neto has been our standout winger in this tournament. Consistent, confident, and creative. Nkunku has shown his adaptability, though questions remain about his long-term role. If he leaves, a proper replacement will be needed. Madueke, talented but inconsistent, may benefit from a move if discipline and focus continue to hinder his progress.
The arrivals of young prospects like Estêvão and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens will bring fresh balance. But talent alone isn’t enough. These players need time, space, and patience to grow.
In midfield, Caicedo remains our engine. But he cannot carry it all. He needs proper support. Esugo shows promise but may not be ready just yet. A good preseason should test his readiness. Santos, on the other hand, looks like a natural fit alongside or behind Fernández. What he needs now is game time and confidence.
Defensively, questions linger. Reece James is world-class when fit, but staying fit has been the issue. Fofana is also battling constant injuries. Badiashile has looked solid but inconsistent. Colwill is still maturing. Chalobah and Tosin offer cover, but both have shown lapses in focus at key moments.
Gusto is one of the bright lights. His progress has been clear. He reminds many of a young Azpilicueta — energetic, disciplined, and brave. But he needs structure and guidance. Among the promising academy products — Acheampong, Guiu, and George — there is clear talent. But without minutes on the pitch, potential can fade. Strong loan spells may be the answer.
And then we come to the goalkeepers. This area needs urgent attention. Once upon a time, Chelsea had Cech and Courtois, two giants between the sticks. Today, it feels uncertain. Robert Sánchez has shown signs of improvement, but fans are still hesitant. Mistakes in positioning and decision-making linger in memory.
The club must choose. Stick with the current group and build confidence, or bring in a proven, reliable first-choice keeper. Because where there is doubt in goal, fear spreads in defence.
The Man in Charge
And what of Enzo Maresca?
He hasn’t won over everyone just yet. His starting lineups can raise eyebrows. His rotation sometimes baffles. But the results are speaking. His substitutions are often effective. The team shows character. They come from behind. They hold their shape. They look coached.
No, this isn’t the finished product. But it is no longer the chaos of last season. It is direction. It is stability. It is potential.
This is not the Chelsea of Drogba, Lampard, Terry, or Cech. But maybe this is the start of something new. A story of belief. A story of rebuild. A story of transition done right.
These players are young. Some are barely past their teens. But they wear the Chelsea badge with pride and are beginning to show maturity far beyond their age. That’s what makes this Club World Cup journey emotional. It’s not just the final that matters. It’s everything that brought us here.
Look at Pedro. Look at Gusto. Look at Palmer and Fernández. They are fighting. Not just for wins, but for each other. For their shirt. For the future.
Maybe this isn’t just another tournament. Maybe it’s the birth of something greater.
You do not build a dynasty in a season. But you can always tell when one is starting.
If you’re not watching closely, you just might miss it.
So, as we prepare for the final, ask yourself:
Can you see what is being built here?
Because whether you trust Maresca or not, one thing is clear. Something is changing at Chelsea. And this time, it might just be something beautiful.
#Chelsea
#ClubWorldCup
#BlueRising
#Puobabangna
By Victor Raul Puobabangna Plance from Eggu in the Upper West Region of Ghana
