Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has given his thoughts on Chelsea 2-0 win against LAFC and Benfica's 2-2 draw versus Boca Juniors in his new role as a pundit at the Club World Cup
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Callum Wilson
Callum Wilson(Image: DAZN)
Callum Wilson has warned that Chelsea will be 'able to go straight away like Duracell bunnies' - even if Newcastle United will be among those clubs who have more time off.
Chelsea are among the sides who have been backed to go far in the Club World Cup so there is a chance Enzo Maresca's team could still be playing right up until the showpiece on July 13 before the new Premier League season starts in mid-August.
Newcastle's campaign, in contrast, ended on May 25 and Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Joelinton and Harvey Barnes are among the regulars who have been off since then while key players like Dan Burn, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak are now enjoying a rare period without games following the latest round of internationals.
England boss Thomas Tuchel has suggested that will be a 'huge advantage' for Newcastle, but Wilson argued that Chelsea also could also take the momentum of the tournament into the new league season.
"With the lack of time off that they're going to get, they will build confidence during this tournament and then they won't be too far after it until it's back into the normal Premier League season again," the Newcastle No 9 said.
"That momentum will be key. They will be able to take it in. They will get a week or two off and then they're straight back into it but with the young squad, that freshness, they don't need a rest.
"They've got energised legs. They will be able to go straight away like Duracell bunnies. I'm sure they will be fine."
Wilson was speaking in his new role as a pundit for DAZN at the Club World Cup and as well as giving his thoughts on Chelsea's 2-0 win against LAFC, the former England international did not hold back while analysing Benfica's 2-2 draw versus Boca Juniors after Nicolas Figal was sent off for a reckless tackle late on.
"We spoke about how aggressive they are but that crossed a line," he added. "He really endangered the opponent there and so high. It could end a player’s career doing stuff like that."
Wilson embarked on an emotional lap of appreciation following Newcastle's final game of the season against Everton, which felt like a farewell, but the Magpies stressed a new contract 'could still be agreed' before the veteran's current deal runs out at the end of the month.
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