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The FIFA Club World Cup is around the corner, with Chelsea having the opportunity to lift the prestigious trophy in the United Arab Emirates.
The Blues won the Champions League last season, beating Manchester City in the final. They subsequently won the UEFA Super Cup against Villarreal in August thereby earning their ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup.
Chelsea could win their maiden FIFA Club World Cup trophy this year
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Chelsea were arguably one of the best teams in world football in 2021. But they shall have to fight for that accolade against champions across the globe. They are set to face reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal in the semi-final on Wednesday.
If they do get past them, as most expect them to, they will face Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A Palmeiras in the final. Lifting the FIFA Club World Cup would be a first for them after failing to do so in 2012 against another Brazilian club, Corinithians. But they will need their best players to step up to do so.
On that note, let us take a look at five players who could help Chelsea win the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup.
#5 Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger had a stellar season in the second half of the 2020-21 season and has done exceedingly well again this term. Manager Thomas Tuchel has been a big fan of him and the centre-back has done justice to his selection game-after-game this season.
The German international is fast, strong and a vital asset in set-pieces. His distribution with the ball is also highly impressive as he has helped set up several goals through his long-range passing.
With Tuchel chopping and changing his centre-backs, Rudiger has remained a regular in the lineup. Hence, he is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming FIFA tournament.
Despite primarily being a defender, the 28-year-old ace has three goals and four assists to his name this season.
The Blues won the Champions League and the Super Cup on the back of stellar defensive performances and Rudiger is expected to deliver the same now.
#4 Mason Mount
Mason Mount has yet again been the main man for the West London club this season. The Chelsea academy graduate has bagged seven goals and eight assists in 32 appearances in all competitions this season.
The Englishman had a slow start to the current campaign but picked up pace following injuries to some key players. Over the last few weeks, he has been the primary goal-scorer for the club and his versatility is proving to be a blessing. Tuchel has used him in various positions and Mount has continued to deliver, thanks to his work-rate, tenacity and technical abilities.
Few work harder than Mount on the pitch and he will hope to help his boyhood club win their first FIFA Club World Cup trophy.
#3 N'Golo Kante
N'Golo Kante has experienced more trouble with injuries this season but that has not dithered his importance to the club. The France international was absent for the FA Cup victory against Plymouth last week but has traveled with the squad to the UAE.
Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic can add several elements to the team but neither can do what Kante adds to this side. The 30-year-old ace is an absolute engine who rarely tires and is the first to start an attack. He is often also the first one to stop the opponent from doing the same.
The semi-final and potentially the final of the Club World Cup are sure to be draining games against tough opponents. Hence, Chelsea will need their midfield metronome to be in top form throughout those fixtures.
Kante won the Man of the Match award in the Champions League semi-final and final last season. If he can do the same in the FIFA Club World Cup, he will move one step closer to winning every title in domestic football.
#2 Cesar Azpilicueta
Cesar Azpilicueta has been Chelsea's leader for the last couple of months as the club have suffered due to injury struggles and poor form. The club captain has been consistent in his efforts, as he has done since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2012.
The right-back may have turned 32 last year but his fitness levels are still top-notch. The injury to Reece James has led to increased game-time for Azpilicueta and he has performed splendidly whenever called upon.
Chelsea have a great player and an even better leader in the Spanish defender. A clear example of him stepping up was portrayed at the weekend. He scored the equalizer against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup after the League One side had taken the lead.
The Spaniard is one of the few captains in the club's history to lift European and domestic accolades. By lifting the FIFA Club World Cup title, he could do what no other Stamford Bridge captain has done before.
#1 Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech has arguably been the best player at Chelsea since the start of 2022. The Moroccan was not selected for the AFCON tournament and has since announced his retirement from international football. But that has not affected his football in England and he could now be fresh for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Over the last couple of weeks, he has been measmerizing. The 28-year-old ace scored a brilliant goal in a 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. He then hit a wonderful curler in a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the league before the international break.
He followed it up with a brilliant display against Plymouth at the weekend, as he created several chances on the day. Ziyech also found the back of the net in the UEFA Super Cup final for Chelsea in August. He has shown that he is the man for the big occasion.
It rarely gets bigger than the FIFA Club World Cup and Ziyech shall need to deliver if the Blues are to lift their first trophy of 2022.
