England and Mexico played out an enthralling and feisty World Cup last 16 clash in the early hours of Monday morning – but Chelsea fans were left in awe of just one player as England won 3-2.
Despite all of the pre-match noise about the altitude and England having to face Mexico in the Azteca, Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions rose to the task. A brace from Jude Bellingham set England on their way.
Chelsea fans, share your expectations for Xabi Alonso! 🏆
Two goals in the space of two minutes saw England take the ascendancy, only for Mexico to strike back through key man Julian Quinones. England managed to hold on and book their place in the last eight.
They did so, despite a straight red card for Jarell Quansah early in the second half. Anthony Gordon won a penalty for Harry Kane to score, only for Kane to then concede a penalty. A genuine World Cup classic.
A brilliant game, a heated contest, and a brilliant advert for the World Cup fought in Mexico City. One standout performance for the Mexicans was that of 17-year-old wonderkid Gilberto Mora in midfield.
Chelsea fans left blown away by Mexico star Gilberto Mora
Mora does not turn 18 until October, and yet, the Tijuana midfielder has already become a key part of this Mexico side. The playmaker is the second-youngest player to start a knockout World Cup game in history.
He’s second only to Brazilian legend Pele, which says it all. This is a player with supreme potential, already clocking up 54 senior appearances for his boyhood club and having a hand in 12 goals during that time.
Mora might not have been the best player on the pitch. But the youngster showed all of his best qualities, his close control, his passing, his technical ability. Chelsea fans were left in awe of the Mexico wonderkid.
In a game where intensity was high and duels were happening all over the pitch, Mora got on the ball and made things happen for Mexico. One Chelsea fan responded on X by posting: “Mora is sensational, man.”
Another Blues supporter said that Mora had “dropped a masterclass” and is now expecting the Premier League’s biggest clubs to want to “sign him” in the coming months. Certainly, his value is increasing.
One Chelsea fan was so convinced by what he saw from the teen that he posted, “Mora is going to the top.” Another predicted a move for Mora, saying he wouldn’t last “any longer than six months in Mexico”.
Are Chelsea interested in Mora, and what is his situation?
According to The Mail, Chelsea are one of six clubs aware of and interested in Mora with the summer window in full flow. They face plenty of competition, with Mora’s release clause a bargain, just £20m.
Until he is 18, Mora will not be able to switch clubs. But as Chelsea have done many times in the past, Mora can be signed and loaned to Tijuana until he is old enough to move and complete a transfer.
Enzo Fernandez needs to leave Chelsea for the good of the club 👋🏻
Thoughts?
Dastan Satpaev, for example, cannot play officially for Chelsea until August 12 when he turns 18. Satpaev, however, is currently at Cobham ahead of pre-season. The race for Mora has just gone up a notch.
Chelsea could well be in the race for Mora, even if BlueCo are under pressure to sign more experienced players. But if the Blues did manage to secure a deal for Mora, then Chelsea fans would be delighted.
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