Football General Manager
Cole Palmer inspired Chelsea to Club World Cup glory as the England international produced a virtuoso performance against European champions Paris Saint-Germain to secure the global crown for Enzo Maresca’s side. Palmer scored twice and provided an assist as the Blues became the inaugural winners of FIFA’s revamped tournament in New Jersey with a 3-0 victory.
Despite being the underdogs, Chelsea began the final on the front foot, and Palmer curled narrowly wide after a fine team move. Robert Sanchez did have to react well to keep out Desire Doue at the other end, but the Blues’s early pressure eventually told midway through the first half when Palmer guided a shot into the bottom corner after good work by Malo Gusto.
Palmer produced an almost identical finish after quick feet created room inside the penalty area for him to make it 2-0, and the Blues made it three before half-time when Palmer carried the ball towards the edge of the penalty area before playing in Joao Pedro to chip the onrushing Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG looked to get themselves back into the game after the break, but both Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha were both denied by stunning Sanchez saves, while substitute Liam Delap twice forced Donnarumma into strong stops shortly after replacing Pedro. Joao Neves then saw red in the closing stages for PSG after he pulled Marc Cucurella’s hair.
BALLGM rates Chelsea’s players from MetLife Stadium…
Cole Palmer inspired Chelsea to Club World Cup glory as the England international produced a virtuoso performance against European champions Paris Saint-Germain to secure the global crown for Enzo Maresca’s side. Palmer scored twice and provided an assist as the Blues became the inaugural winners of FIFA’s revamped tournament in New Jersey with a 3-0 victory.
Despite being the underdogs, Chelsea began the final on the front foot, and Palmer curled narrowly wide after a fine team move. Robert Sanchez did have to react well to keep out Desire Doue at the other end, but the Blues’s early pressure eventually told midway through the first half when Palmer guided a shot into the bottom corner after good work by Malo Gusto.
Palmer produced an almost identical finish after quick feet created room inside the penalty area for him to make it 2-0, and the Blues made it three before half-time when Palmer carried the ball towards the edge of the penalty area before playing in Joao Pedro to chip the onrushing Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG looked to get themselves back into the game after the break, but both Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha were both denied by stunning Sanchez saves, while substitute Liam Delap twice forced Donnarumma into strong stops shortly after replacing Pedro. Joao Neves then saw red in the closing stages for PSG after he pulled Marc Cucurella’s hair.
BALLGM rates Chelsea’s players from MetLife Stadium…
Robert Sanchez (10/10):
Easily his best game for the club. Made excellent saves to deny Dembele, Vitinha and Doue while his ability to bait PSG’s press led to him springing attacks with his diagonal passes. Who needs Mike Maignan?!
Malo Gusto (8/10):
He got help, but that shouldn’t take anything away from how he kept Kvaratskhelia quiet. Also proved a useful out-ball in attack, as illustrated by the role he played in setting up the opener for Palmer.
Trevoh Chalobah (8/10):
It’s amazing to think that Chelsea still might get rid of the England defender this summer. He read the game mightily well and ensured Dembele barely had a sniff.
Levi Colwill (8/10):
Equally impressive alongside Chalobah at the heart of the Blues’ defence. His passing out of defence also kicked-off a series of Chelsea attacks.
Marc Cucurella (8/10):
Showcased his excellent defensive instincts throughout. Cut out Doue’s pass for what would have been a certain Hakimi goal at 0-0, and continued to get himself in the way of PSG’s forwards thereafter.
Reece James (7/10):
Helped Gusto out up against Kvaratskhelia while also doing a decent job on getting close to Ruiz in midfield. Looks increasing comfortable in his new role.
Moises Caicedo (9/10):
Returned from injury and was absolutely everywhere, particularly in the first half. Never let Vitinha have any room while shielding the ball expertly when he picked up possession. Capped an outstanding season.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
Did some good defensive work in closing down Vitinha and Neves. Didn’t really offer much in possession before being forced off due to injury after an hour.
Cole Palmer (10/10):
What a player! Bounced back from his early miss to expertly net the opening two goals before laying in Pedro for Chelsea’s third. Left Beraldo and Mendes in the dust on a number of occasions while also working hard to get back defensively.
Joao Pedro (9/10):
Looked in the mood from minute one as he pressed relentlessly from the front. Held the ball up well, made a couple of key defensive headers and got the goal his performance deserved with a fine chipped finish over Donnarumma.
Pedro Neto (7/10):
His final ball was sometimes lacking, but he worked so hard to get up and down the left flank. Ensured Hakimi couldn’t have a say on the game with his tracking back.
Andrey Santos (7/10):
Put himself about well in midfield after replacing Fernandez.
Liam Delap (7/10):
Twice denied by Donnarumma in an energetic showing for the final quarter of the game.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (6/10):
Thrown on for the final 12 minutes.
Christopher Nkunku (6/10):
Replaced Neto in the closing stages.
Enzo Maresca (10/10):
Didn’t fear the PSG press, and instead ensured his side played with even more energy themselves to expose the European champions. Looks to have found a system that could lead to more glory going forward.
