Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Sander Berge has been very complimentary of Fulham’s west London rivals Chelsea going into Monday’s derby.
Chelsea travel to Craven Cottage to take on Berge and Fulham in the final game of the first round of Premier League fixtures.
The Blues will have to be cautious after watching Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur lose on Saturday, with Berge ready for the challenge.
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Sander Berge claims Chelsea have ‘world-class’ players
While Berge is prepared for the huge task of taking on Chelsea, the midfielder has acknowledged that his Fulham side will be going up against a team with elite talent.
Previewing the game on FFCtv, Berge said: “Chelsea, world-class players, and new manager, which I think will be great for them. But yeah, we’re looking forward to going out there and compete.”
Fulham got the better of their west London rivals the last time they made the trip to Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers won 2-1, though they were helped by Marc Cucurella’s red card in the first half.
Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Fulham's Kevin
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Following Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid, Jorrel Hato or Pep Chavarria could replace the Spaniard in the left-back position. If Xabi Alonso uses three at the back, Marco Palestra will also be an option alongside the pair for the left wing-back role.
Valentin Barco prefers to play in midfield, but he has played on the left side of defence in the past.
Who are Chelsea’s world-class players?
Cole Palmer was not at his best last season, but there is no doubt that the attacking midfielder is a world-class player after some of the numbers he put up in his first two campaigns at Chelsea.
When he is fit, many also consider Reece James to be a world-class footballer, while Moises Caicedo is certainly world-class in his position.
Sander Berge on Chelsea team
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Joao Pedro can probably get there, but the Brazilian perhaps needs another prolific season before then. Finally, Enzo Fernandez deserves to be mentioned in that bracket as well.
The Argentine has proven himself at both club level and on the international stage. It is astonishing that Chelsea finished 10th last term with such players.