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    Kepa given Chelsea lifeline as Thomas Tuchel says keeper has clean slate before first game under new boss vs Barnsley

    THOMAS TUCHEL has promised troubled Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga a fresh start.
    The £71.6million Spaniard starts his first game under the new boss in Thursday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Barnsley.

    Thomas Tuchel is set to give Kepa a clean slate at Chelsea, starting vs Barnsley on ThursdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Kepa was ditched by former boss Frank Lampard but Tuchel believes his world-record fee is a huge burden.
    Tuchel said: “From outside we had a view on his situation and some difficulties on the sporting side.
    “Maybe the circumstances of his transfer are a little bit on his shoulders. That was the impression from outside.
    “From inside, I see an open personality. A hard working guy with a lot of quality. He deserves to be here. 

    “The good thing for him is that we start new, that this is a new start for him because I don’t have a history with him. 
    “He does everything to impress in training and this is the only thing he could do.
    “It is a special position, it has its own rules. If you make mistakes, everybody sees it, talks about it so you need a lot of mental strength and quality.
    “Kepa gets the chance tomorrow and I hope he can show what he shows in training.”

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    Tuchel is keen for Kepa to play without the pressure of his £71.6m transfer fee burdening himCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Kepa has been in limbo with a huge fee and wages putting off rival clubs to buy him and end his misery – while Chelsea brought in Edouard Mendy to replace him.
    With Euro 2020 this summer his place as his country’s number one is in serious jeopardy.
    Tuchel said: “I want him to play a normal match.
    “He does not have to show me or anybody else that he is ready to be Spain’s No1 in the summer.
    “He has just to show his quality. Not more and not less. 
    “We have to manage our own expectations because I don’t expect him to score and to play with a clean sheet.
    “I just expect he is there and he helps us with the quality he has and gives a solid performance to help the team.”
    Midfielder N’Golo Kante will also start his first game under Tuchel’s new era against Championship opposition.
    Timo Werner is out with a dead leg to be replaced by Hakim Ziyech.

    Kepa is set to replace Mendy for the FA Cup fifth-round clash vs BarnsleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    This will be Tuchel’s first FA Cup match as a manager and he is a fan of football’s oldest cup competition.
    The German, 47, who liked Tottenham as a kid, said: “If I’m looking for that in my brain now there is this huge stadium, Wembley, this famous name. And this pretty, pretty cup that I can remember.
    “We played out in the garden after watching these finals. To win cups and to play in cups is something all supporters and players love. 
    “Everything is possible in the 90 minutes… it has its surprises and you feel this tension in knockout games and it’s something you can only feel in cup games.
    “The closer you get to the final the more the tension and excitement grows.”
    Uefa have confirmed Chelsea will play the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash against Atletico Madrid in Bucharest due to restrictions on travel between the UK and Spain.
    Atletico fear they will lose home advantage and Tuchel has sympathy.
    He said “I can absolutely understand the feeling.
    “Do I have anything to do with it? No. Was it our decision? No.
    “So from now on, no more reflection for that. And they will be ready 100 per cent to fight in Bucharest against us.”

    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel to unleash N’Golo Kante in new ‘double six’ role More

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    Prem in FIFTH kit clash this season as ‘up to 100,000’ colour blind viewers can’t tell Sheff Utd and Chelsea apart

    UP to 100,000 colour blind fans were left furious on Sunday after Chelsea wore their light blue away kit at Sheffield United, making the match almost impossible to watch.
    For the fifth time this season, colour blind Premier League supporters were barely able to distinguish between the sides due to the bizarre choice of jersey.

    Fans suffering from colour blindness struggled to distinguish between Chelsea’s light blue kit and Sheff Utd’s predominantly white shirtsCredit: Alamy Live News

    Chelsea wore their light blue away kit to take on the Blades in their predominantly white strip in Sky Sports’ live showdown.
    But fans were left perplexed, believing the West Londoners’ home strip – a much deeper shade of blue – would have been less of a clash.
    Opting for the almost-white away jerseys made life tough for those who suffer from colour blindness.
    The Colour Blind Awareness charity predicted around 100,000 viewers for the game – a 2-1 win for Chelsea – would have suffered from colour blindness.

    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
    And fans took to Twitter in their droves to complain.
    One wrote: “I turned it on, saw 20 matching shirts and simply turned it off again.
    “I wonder where I could inquire to get some refunds for streaming expenses, since they are actively making it impossible to watch what I pay for.”

    Another said: “Someone with a bigger brain has got to explain how this is easier to see than Chelsea playing in their home BLUE kit?”
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    Fans believed Chelsea would have been much better off wearing their home strip – a deeper shade of blueCredit: Alamy Live News

    A third sarcastically added: “Well done Chelsea. You really needed your almost white away kit for this fixture.
    “The traditional blue would obviously have clashed with the mostly white shirts of Sheffield United.”
    Another viewer even called it ‘blatant discrimination’, tweeting: “It’s been happening all season.
    “So many kit clashes and absolutely nothing gets done about it, it’s utterly shameful.
    “People think colour blindness is a trivial issue. It’s not.
    “These kit clashes are ENTIRELY AVOIDABLE, that’s the worst part of it. Blatant Discrimination!!’
    It is the fifth time alone a Premier League clash has thrown up a colour-blindness issue, with Liverpool and Manchester United both featuring twice.
    The game between the two rivals at Anfield last month was the most-watched Premier League game in history amongst Brits.
    But of the five million who tuned in, a predicted 300,000 of those struggled to distinguish between the two sides.

    Colour blind fans also struggled in Man Utd’s trip to Liverpool last monthCredit: AFP or licensors
    Liverpool wore their red home strip, while Man Utd wore their ‘earth green’ alternate colours.
    Reds and greens – particularly in similar shades – are almost impossible to distinguish between for those suffering from colour blindness.
    That meant the red of Liverpool’s socks merged with the green of the grass, while the deep shade of green in United’s strip also clashed with that of the grass and the home side’s red.
    The Premier League has developed a ‘colour blind friendly flag’ to help clubs pick the colours best-suited to all viewers.
    However, the final say lies with the club.
    And Colour Blindness Awareness spokesperson Kathryn Albany-Ward lashed out at the Premier League for their failure to act.
    Albany-Ward said: “They know about this issue. They know it’s disability discrimination and they are not doing enough about it.”
    Southampton vs Man Utd, Sheff Utd vs Southampton and Liverpool vs Crystal Palace have also been criticised for their lack of empathy to those suffering from colour blindness.
    Around one in 12 men suffer from colour blindness, with the disability affecting roughly one in 200 women.

    Thomas Tuchel reacts to Chelsea’s victory against Sheffield United More

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    Ben Chilwell offers to take lad for pint after he was RELEASED when Chelsea star skinned him for goal in 2013

    CHELSEA ace Ben Chilwell has promised to buy the player he ‘skinned’ a pint after it led to his release from his football club.
    Back in 2013 Reece Lucas was playing for Rotherham’s youth team when he came up against Chilwell who was with Leicester.

    Ben Chilwell skinned a player that led to their release from footballCredit: Rex Features

    It proved to be a game to forget for Lucas, with the Millers’ tweeting at the time: “Ben Chilwell skins Reece Lucas before smashing a shot low into the bottom corner.”
    Lucas decided to retweet this bad memory tagging in his former nemesis.
    He wrote: “Cheers @BenChilwell got released after this up at 5:30 for work tomorrow… how you getting on?”
    Lucas now works as a mechanical engineer doing 6am-2pm shifts after his football dream ended.

    Chilwell, 24, replied back to Lucas, tweeting: “I think maybe i owe u a pint when things are back open.”
    Lucas replied: “I’ll hold you to that mate.”
    The pair’s Twitter exchange was met with delight by football fans, with many writing ‘love this’ and ‘pure gold’.
    While Lucas has switched up his career, Chilwell is doing great things in the Beautiful Game.

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    Reece Lucas saw his football dreams ended shortly after he came up against Chilwell

    He completed a £50million move from Leicester to Chelsea in the summer.
    He has also established himself as first-choice left-back for England under Gareth Southgate.
    But he faces a battle now at Stamford Bridge. Thomas Tuchel has welcomed Marcos Alonso back into the first-team fold.
    The Spanish left wing-back was frozen out this season by Frank Lampard before he was replaced by Tuchel.
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

    Chelsea star Ben Chilwell shows off his quick skills in training More

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    Chelsea player ratings: Mount proves to Tuchel he is Blues’ main man but Rudiger nearly costs them vs Sheffield United

    CHELSEA maintained their unbeaten run under new boss Thomas Tuchel with a gritty 2-1 win at Sheffield United.
    Mason Mount scored to see the Blues ahead at half-time.

    Chelsea players celebrate after moving 2-1 ahead thanks to Jorginho’s penaltyCredit: EPA

    But Antonio Rudiger passed the ball into his own goal nine minutes into the second period to give the hosts some hope.
    However their relegation fears increased when Jorginho netted from the penalty spot after keeper Aaron Ramsdale fouled Timo Werner.
    Here, Simon Phillips rates how the Chelsea players fared on their trip to South Yorkshire.
    Edouard Mendy – 6/10
    As always there wasn’t much for Mendy to do in the first half.

    He couldn’t do anything about Rudiger’s mad moment, and made a good save at the death.
    Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
    Not his best game in a Chelsea shirt and he really struggled to deal with United’s high press, as did many of the Chelsea players.
    But the captain did his job defensively and helped the team.
    Andreas Christensen – 7
    Made some very good bursts forward with the ball and looked confident in stepping up and replacing the world class Thiago Silva.

    Some might have thought of him as a weak point – he was far from it.
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    Timo Werner won his side a penalty that Jorginho nettedCredit: Reuters

    Antonio Rudiger – 5
    Some dodgy moments from him and guilty of over-playing or having a heavy touch, he was uncomfortable under the high press.
    His own goal to put United back in the game was just ridiculous. But he did go a little way to redeem himself in the later stages with some last gasp defensive work.
    Reece James – 8
    So calm on the ball and under pressure, which he was a lot at Bramall Lane.
    But James was always an outlet, always used the ball well and looked a threat going forward.

    Jorginho coolly slotted home Chelsea’s secondCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Jorginho – 6
    Gave the ball away too often in the first half and was not dealing with the Blades’ high press.
    Took his penalty well to put Chelsea back in front.
    Mateo Kovacic – 8
    Some great moments from him in deep areas, bringing Chelsea out of danger.
    He also looked for the long ball and showed good vision with a few dangerous forward passes.

    Thomas Tuchel is STILL unbeaten as Chelsea boss – with three wins in fourCredit: Reuters
    Ben Chilwell – 6
    Some sluggish moments early on in the game but his pass to find Werner for Chelsea’s first half goal was excellent and he grew into it from then on.
    Taken off for Alonso on 61 minutes.
    Mason Mount – 8
    He said he needed to be more clinical in the final third, and he stuck to his words to finish off Chelsea’s first half with a great goal.
    Mount was his usual lively self and was a menace to the United back line.

    Mason Mount had another fine game in midfield and scored the openerCredit: Reuters
    Timo Werner – 7
    Was always looking to make things happen and he was very progressive in possession.
    Set up Mount superbly for Chelsea’s first half goal, and he also won the penalty for Chelsea’s second.

    Rudiger won’t want to watch his comical own goal backCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
    Olivier Giroud – 5
    Bit of a spare part through most of the first half and didn’t really look comfortable in the formation dropping deep to collect the ball.
    It didn’t really bring out the best of him.
    SUBS
    Callum Hudson-Odoi for Giroud (61 mins) – 7
    Lively from him after coming on, he linked up well with James and Mount and was always a threat.
    Marcos Alonso for Chilwell (61 mins) – 6
    His aerial presence in both boxes was welcome.
    N’Golo Kante for Werner (74 mins) – 6
    Did his job well to see out the game at the end.

    Sheffield United vs Chelsea as it happened More

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    Chelsea verdict: Tuchel must find way to finish sides off as Blues make win far more difficult than it needed to me

    IT was an odd evening for Chelsea at Bramall Lane.
    The Blues got all three points against Sheffield United, but the game very much had a feel of being a tough Champions League semi-final match.

    Thomas Tuchel continues to have that winning feeling – but it could be even easier to achieveCredit: AP:Associated Press

    In reality it was against a bottom of the league Premier League side.
    Thomas Tuchel is now unbeaten in four matches for Chelsea, three of those wins, but it was actually his trusted and reliable centre-back Antonio Rudiger that made the win very difficult.
    In fact ironically, Rudiger has become the first player to score against Tuchel since the German took the reigns.
    His trusted compatriot scored the weirdest of own goals to put Sheffield United back in the game at 1-1, when it actually looked much easier to just clear the ball.

    This sums up the oddness of the game, and the oddness of Tuchel’s starting line up.
    He went with his usual 3-4-2-1 but it really seemed to lack any real creativity.
    Olivier Giroud played in the hole but he looked uncomfortable and unfamiliar there.
    Tuchel is a tactical genius, so of course he will have valid reasons for that.

    Mason Mount and Jorginho scored the goals that set Chelsea on their wayCredit: PA:Press Association

    But Giroud is a target man, a very good target man at that, but nothing more than that to be honest. This formation made him look poor.
    I believe that the game would have been much easier if Tuchel had a more creative option playing in that position.
    But apparently there weren’t any available – with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz not even being named in the squad.
    Callum Hudson-Odoi came on for Giroud in the second half and it changed the emphasis of the game, Chelsea became a bit more comfortable and won it 2-1 in the end.
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    Chelsea were dealt a blow in farcical circumstances when Antonio Rudiger poked past his own keeperCredit: AFP
    But once again the visitors were left hanging on at the end for a second game running.
    And it makes you feel that Tuchel really needs to find a way to win matches more convincingly – and earlier on – to avoid these situations.
    It wasn’t Timo Werner’s fault this time, he played very well and created both goals for Chelsea, with a good assist for Mason Mount and winning a penalty.
    But they really need to start putting together performances that will make them a lot more comfortable in matches.
    Of course, the three points are all that matters and helps Chelsea climb up the table even more, this is what is essential for them right now and the German boss is doing the job.
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

    Sheffield United vs Chelsea as it happened More

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    Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi furious with social media giants for refusing to accept monkey emojis as racism

    CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI has reacted with fury that social media companies refuse to believe a monkey emoji sent to black players is racist.
    And his Chelsea team-mate Toni Rudiger has accused  tech companies of putting profits before people as football again faces up to a fight against the scourge of racism.

    Callum Hudson-Odoi is shocked and angry that social media giants do not understand the monkey emoji can be used to be racistCredit: Reuters

    Twitter do not sanction users who send the shocking taunt to footballers because their guidelines do not believe there is any racial connotation to the character.
    That has left Chelsea star Hudson-Odoi stunned – and he says when any player is on the receiving end of the sick messages it leaves them and others hurt and angry.
    The 20-year-old said: “How can that make sense? Do you know what I mean? If somebody puts for example, a monkey emoji towards a player. Why is that?
    “How is a player a monkey? What does that mean to a player?

    “So for us seeing stuff like that it always makes us angry. Are you saying that because of our skin colour? Because of the colour that we are?
    “Or are you just saying that because you just want to be, you think that you’re funny or you want to get a laugh out of people?
    “No one laughs at that sort of situation. All of us take that personally as a team and as players. We have to do something about it. Because obviously, as I said, racism won’t stop.”
    Speaking in an interview with global broadcaster beIN SPORTS, the winger says the continued racist insults on social media are starting to take their toll.

    As a player who saw his England senior debut in Montenegro two years ago marred by abuse from the terraces, he has felt the pain first hand.

    And Hudson-Odoi admits players are now thinking again about speaking out about the issue.
    He added: “Well, I wouldn’t be surprised. I wouldn’t be surprised at all. I feel like the more and more people talk, it does help at times.
    “When you talk about it people start to realise that it’s not right at the same time, but there are times where people feel like it’s an advantage for them to carry on trying to make you feel more down about yourself, or make you feel a type of way about your skin colour or something like that.
    “It’s totally unacceptable and totally – don’t like to use the word – but ‘stupid’ from their side, and idiotic; because I’m like – ‘Why would you want to do that to a player of the team that you support?’
    “Especially when you want them to do well for your team as well?
    “It’s embarrassing to us that we’re playing our hearts out and trying to play the game as much as possible to try and win games.
    “And if we don’t win or do something wrong, we’re receiving bad things from other people.
    “We trying our best in every game that we play in and our daily lives to talk about it because it’s just the thing where it gets me angry to hear stuff like that.
    “As I said, it’s unacceptable and hopefully things get resolved soon.”

    Rio Ferdinand has called on the government to get involved to combat social media racism
    Defender  Rudiger  is another abused online this season, with the defender targeted in the wake of  Frank Lampard’s sacking.
    And the German accused social media companies of caring more about money than bigotry, saying: “If more people are making accounts, I think they make money off it. I don’t think these people care.
    “As you know, this money has power and the rest doesn’t matter. It’s hard to tell if people will make a change on that. I feel sorry for that.”
    Chelsea are investigating Rudiger’s complaints and intend to forward any evidence of criminal behaviour to the police.
    In Blues owner Roman Abramovich the Chelsea players know there is someone who has vowed to help fund the battle to rid racism from the sport.
    He said: “I think it’s amazing to know the owner is coming out to help us, is reaching out to all of us, to know that he is trying to do something about it and get things sorted.
    “It’s unacceptable to hear any of that [racism]. I feel like all of us players know it’s unacceptable to hear stuff like that [racism] so, when we’re receiving stuff online or social abuse none of us like to receive it.
    “But definitely social media need to step up and hopefully do something about it as well. I think it’s very easy to go on social media and write something hateful to somebody, without anything being sorted.”
    Rio Ferdinand has called on the Government to intervene in the ‘disgusting situation’ of social media racism.
    Manchester United star Marcus Rashford became the latest in a long line of footballers who have been targeted with sick racist abuse online.
    Rashford’s team-mates Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were abused on social media after their team lost at home to Sheffield United recently.

    Rio Ferdinand calls on government and social media to do more to combat ‘disgusting’ racism aimed at players More

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    How Chelsea could line up vs Sheff Utd with Thiago Silva an injury doubt but Kante back in contention after win vs Spurs

    N’GOLO KANTE looks set to start his first game since January 3 for Sunday’s clash with Sheffield United – but Thiago Silva is unlikely to feature.
    The Blues edged a 1-0 win at Tottenham on Thursday night thanks to a Jorginho penalty.

    How Chelsea could line-up for Sunday’s game at Sheff Utd

    But Thomas Tuchel and Co suffered a blow after Silva limped off with a muscle injury in his right leg in the first-half.
    Chelsea were given a boost as Kante came off the bench to make his return after over a month out.
    And now the France midfielder is expected to replace Jorginho in the heart of the Blues’ midfield.
    Edouard Mendy is certain to keep his place in goal, with Cesar Azpilicueta starting on the right of a central back-three.

    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
    Azpilicueta is likely to be joined by Andreas Christensen – who replaced Silva on Thursday night – and Antonio Rudiger.
    Kurt Zouma is expected to be fit following what Tuchel called a ‘minor’ injury, but is yet to feature under the new manager.
    Reece James and Ben Chilwell are likely to occupy the wing-back roles – although Callum Hudson-Odoi excelled on the right-flank for the 2-0 win over Burnley.

    Mateo Kovacic is set to start alongside Kante in the middle of the park, with Mason Mount almost certain to start as one of two attacking midfielders amid his hot run of form.
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    Another way Tuchel could send out his troops at Bramall Lane

    However, Chelsea also have Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Hudson-Odoi battling for minutes in those positions.
    Havertz is expected to be fit again after a minor injury, but his dreadful start to life in England could see him start on the bench.
    Timo Werner is expected to start up front, but his ice-cold run of form could see Tammy Abraham lead the line.
    Olivier Giroud will also be keen to be given a shot, despite cooling off himself in recent weeks.
    Chelsea travel to Sheff Utd in Sunday evening’s game, with kick-off at Bramall Lane 7.15pm.

    Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea deserved to beat Spurs after a very very good first half More

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    Where are 15 wonderkids Lionel Messi picked out to be future superstars one year on including Mason Mount?

    LAST year, Lionel Messi picked out 15 young stars to watch – but where are they now?
    The Barcelona superstar, 33, named his favourite wonderkids for a Topps ‘Lionel Messi Designed Set’ card pack.

    We look at how the 15 youngsters Messi picked out as ones to watch have fared in the year that followedCredit: Reuters

    Messi selected a hatful of young English talent among his crop – with no fewer than FOUR Three Lions stars making the grade.
    But the 15 youngsters have endured very different years since Messi’s announcement.
    Take a look at where they are now, one year on…
    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD

    Alexander-Arnold has struggled a bit for consistency in 2020-21 by his own high standardsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    MESSI got a first-hand view of the Liverpool right-back’s talent in the 2018-19 Champions League.

    Alexander-Arnold, 22, was in blistering form as the Reds thumped Barcelona 4-0 in the second-leg of their semi-final clash – and even took the corner leading to Divock Origi’s winning goal to send them to the final.
    Still Liverpool’s – and arguably England’s – No1 right-back, Alexander-Arnold has endured a trickier season in 2020-21.
    But with all of Liverpool’s senior centre-backs injured, it’s little wonder consistency has been hard to come by.
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    HOUSSEM AOUAR

    Houssem Aouar has excelled for Lyon in the past yearCredit: AFP or licensors
    LINKED with a move to Arsenal last summer, Aouar is captain of Lyon and has already won his first France cap.
    Technically superb, the versatile midfielder, 22, is expected to complete a big-money move to another of Europe’s giants in 2021.
    Barcelona are another club rumoured with a move for Aouar – but a move could be scuppered after their finances took a huge hit during the coronavirus pandemic.
    FRENKIE DE JONG

    Frenkie De Jong is still waiting to find his top form at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    A CURRENT team-mate of Messi, the Argentine knows all about De Jong.
    The Dutchman, 23, moved from Ajax following their run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final.
    While De Jong is yet to replicate his top form at the Nou Camp – scoring just twice in 42 games in his first season – time is certainly on his side.
    MOUSSA DEMBELE

    Moussa Dembele recently completed a loan move to Atletico MadridCredit: Alamy Live News
    THE French striker, 24, recently joined Atletico Madrid on loan from Lyon with a view to a permanent move in the summer.
    The ex-Fulham and Celtic forward is one of Europe’s most-sought-after stars after a sensational three-year spell in France.
    Dembele scored 45 times in 108 matches in all competitions for Lyon prior to his move to the Wanda Metropolitano.
    JOAO FELIX

    Joao Felix is slowly starting to find his feet at Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters
    ANOTHER Atleti forward, Diego Simeone has a host of young attacking talent on his books now.
    Fighting for minutes with Dembele and Luis Suarez, Felix, 21, has found life in Spain a little more difficult than he did at Benfica.
    However, Felix has shown signs of improvement since Messi’s glowing praise, scoring as many LaLiga goals halfway through this season than he did in his entire debut campaign.
    PHIL FODEN

    Phil Foden has been in exceptional form for Man City this seasonCredit: AFP
    THE Manchester City wonderkid, 20, is making a name for himself across Europe.
    As well as Messi, Foden has garnered praise from the likes of Arsene Wenger.
    Finally getting some regular game-time in Pep Guardiola’s star-studded squad, Foden is expected to be England’s brightest star for the next decade.
    Until Raheem Sterling’s goal against Burnley midweek, Foden was City’s top scorer this season with nine goals in all competitions.
    KAI HAVERTZ

    Kai Havertz has struggled mightily since his £70m move to Chelsea last summerCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
    AFTER Messi’s comments, Havertz teased clubs across Europe by showing off his unquestionable talent at Bayer Leverkusen.
    After Chelsea opted to splash £70m on the midfielder, Havertz, 21, was expected to take the next step.
    However, the German star has endured a horror season in England – scoring once and adding just two assists in 18 Premier League games.
    LUKA JOVIC

    Luka Jovic is already starting to look vastly improved now back on loan at Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: EPA
    SIGNED from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019, the past 18 months hasn’t been kind to Jovic.
    The Serbian, 23, scored just twice in 21 LaLiga games before being shipped back on loan to Frankfurt.
    Jovic scored twice off the bench in his first game back in the Bundesliga.
    JOSHUA KIMMICH

    Joshua Kimmich continues to prove he is one of the best players in the worldCredit: AFP
    HARDLY a wonderkid at the time of Messi’s revelation – Kimmich was already 25.
    The German feels like he’s been around for a decade already and is easily one of the best players on the planet.
    The versatile star can play in midfield or at right-back and has already won 50 international caps, while helping Bayern Munich to a famous Treble last season.
    Kimmich was part of the Bayern team who trounced Messi’s Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-final, even getting on the scoresheet.
    KYLIAN MBAPPE

    Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best striker on the planet at presentCredit: AFP or licensors
    QUITE possibly the best striker on the planet right now, Mbappe has scored a sensational 66 goals in just 68 league games for Paris Saint-Germain.
    It’s expected the 2018 World Cup winner, 22, will move to Real Madrid this summer in what could prove a real test for the youngster.
    But Mbappe has passed every test thrown his way with flying colours – and LaLiga will likely be the latest victim of his terrifying talent.
    EDER MILITAO

    Eder Militao is yet to earn himself a regular spot in the Real Madrid XICredit: Getty Images – Getty
    HAVING moved to Real Madrid from Porto in the summer of 2019, huge things were expected of the Brazilian, who was handed a SIX-YEAR contract.
    Militao, 23, has shown flashes of talent but has been limited to a mere 19 LaLiga games.
    Worryingly, Militao hasn’t played for Brazil since 2019 – the same year he moved to Madrid.
    MASON MOUNT

    Mason Mount has been in superb form for a struggling Chelsea this seasonCredit: Tom Jenkins/ The Guardian
    A FUTURE Chelsea – and possibly even England – captain, Mount has been superb for the Blues.
    Mount, 22, bizarrely seems to split fans – but has shown grit, determination and extraordinary talent in a struggling Chelsea team this season.
    The midfielder has gone from strength-to-strength since Messi comments.
    It’s expected Mount will go on to forge an incredible partnership with the likes of Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Phil Foden for England in what’s increasingly looking like another ‘Golden Generation’.
    BENJAMIN PAVARD

    Benjamin Pavard is a key member of Bayern Munich’s rampant squadCredit: EPA
    MESSI was never going to leave the Bayern Munich man out of his list.
    After all, Pavard, 24, scored the goal of the tournament as France knocked Argentina out of the 2018 World Cup at the last-16 stage with a sensational strike in a 4-3 win.
    The versatile defender is now a regular in the Bayern XI, playing 46 Bundesliga games since joining from Stuttgart in 2019.
    CHRISTIAN PULISIC

    Christian Pulisic needs to fully recover from his injuries to show his true talentCredit: PA
    DESPITE struggling with injuries, Pulisic has shown fans – and Messi – just what he can do.
    Chelsea always seem to look more dangerous with the American, 22, in the team.
    Pulisic scored nine times in just 25 Premier League games in his debut season, but has managed just one goal in 14 games this season.
    JADON SANCHO

    Sancho is hoping to bounce back from a tricky start to the 2020-21 seasonCredit: EPA
    OF all the players on Messi’s list, Sancho has arguably had the most frantic year.
    The Borussia Dortmund star, 20, was the subject of the longest-running transfer saga ever, seemingly in the summer.
    Sancho was expected to head to Manchester United – and even wanted a move back to England.
    But the Old Trafford club stood firm all summer when Dortmund demanded more than £100m, convinced they could land their man for a lot less.
    They didn’t.
    And Sancho has struggled mightily for form ever since.
    Last weekend, Sancho ‘accidentally’ took the captain’s armband after Marco Reus was subbed off and exploded into the kind of player we all know he can be.
    Sancho, Dortmund and England will all hope it’s a turning point.

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