Although some might question the Club World Cup’s worth, there is no doubting Chelsea’s ambitions in the competition.
They have not travelled halfway across the world just to head back to Cobham empty-handed.
Club World Cup’s importance cannot be understated
From his station somewhere in South West London, Thomas Tuchel has apparently told his staff he wants the trophy added to the club’s cabinet.
He might not be there physically due to testing positive for covid, but the German’s presence and expectations will be felt by his players.
For them, this is another chance to cement themselves into folk law by winning the tournament for the first time in Chelsea’s history.
It is the only footballing event the Blues have entered and not previously been victorious in.
If this isn’t incentive enough to perform to their maximum, then we are not sure what is.
Those who are selected for tonight’s semi-final fixture against Al Hilal must put on a show worthy of their Premier League credentials.
Not just that; they also need to demonstrate to Tuchel once again why their name belongs on the team sheet above anybody else’s.
Arguably, over the rest of the squad, this rings truest about Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Kepa to keep the gloves
Ever since he stepped into Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard has had to prove himself.
Signed as the world’s most expensive goalkeeper by Maurizio Sarri, the pressure was instantly on Kepa to fulfil this mantel.
He made decent strides toward doing so in his debut season.
However, under new management, the cycle began again.
Under Frank Lampard, he failed to replicate the numbers from the previous term and instead became a laughing stock in the media.
When the 27-year-old was finally fully replaced as Chelsea’s number one by Edouard Mendy, another task awaited him: demonstrate being a reliable understudy.
Following Lampard’s dismissal and Tuchel’s arrival, he has done just that.
Four times already this campaign he has turned out to be the saviour from the penalty spot.
Last weekend, Kepa denied Plymouth Argyle a very late equaliser by preventing their effort from 12-yards.
Having covered whilst Mendy was away on Africa Cup of Nation duties, the Spanish shot-stopper deserves to keep his place in between the sticks for today’s Club World Cup contest.
He has more than earned the right to validate his status as Chelsea’s number two.
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