Chelsea will face PSG in the Champions League Round of 16, with the two sides reuniting again for the first time since the Club World Cup final.
Despite the French side cruising to European glory last season, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side decimated them in the Club World Cup, winning 3-0.
The job was done for the Blues before half-time. Cole Palmer’s sensational brace as well as new signing at the time Joao Pedro’s goal put them out of sight.
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Liam Rosenior must copy Enzo Maresca’s use of Cole Palmer against PSG
The game is often looked back on as Maresca’s best moment as Chelsea manager, and a sign that he could tactically compete with the very best in world football.
Luis Enrique had no answers for the Blues on that day, and looking at the XI they named it was clear to see how they got the better of them.
Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain: Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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The main factor for Chelsea was the position of Palmer. Maresca started him on the right, allowing him to cut inside onto his left foot, an exact description of his second goal.
Having Malo Gusto as an attacking right-back gave Nuno Mendes a real headache. The man referred to by many as the best left-back in the world let out an audible scream of frustration as Chelsea added their third goal.
The Club World Cup was not actually Palmer’s best tournament, but the tweak which saw him operating off the right was a massive change, and one Rosenior should look to copy.
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Reece James’ position vs PSG in Club World Cup has to happen again this year
One of Maresca’s most controversial decisions while in charge of Chelsea was to use Reece James as a midfielder, particularly in big games.
Not all corners of the fanbase got on board with this decision, however it can’t be argued that there is evidence of it working, and the Club World Cup final was one of those occasions.
James, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez absolutely dominated the midfield battle with their physicality on that day, and this has to be the blueprint Rosenior follows this time around.
Chelsea will face PSG on either the 10 or 11 March, with the reverse fixture back at Stamford Bridge taking place on 17 or 18 March.
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