Four players Chelsea need perfection from to defeat Barcelona
By Hugo Amaya
Every detail counts in a game as massive as Chelsea vs. Barcelona in the Champions League. The Blues have four key players who will be critical to obtain the result against their European rivals.
Playing Barcelona is never easy from any point of view. Since the game against Hull City, the topic on everyone’s mind has been this Champions League clash – and with good reason given the history between the clubs.
Antonio Conte’s men will have to be at the top of their game if they want to advance. He has four players who will carry some extra weight in this match.
1. N’Golo Kante
The French international will have to put all of his stamina and lung capacity into stopping the Barcelona midfield. Kante has been as important as ever since he joined Chelsea. However, Tuesday night just may be his most important night for the West London side.
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With Barcelona keeping possession of the ball as they usually do, Kante will be responsible for intercepting their plays. With Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets pulling the strings, it will be a difficult task, but nothing Chelsea’s No. 7 cannot handle. Kante’s ability to read plays, press the opposition for mistakes and knock players off the ball will shape the game for the Blues.
2. Andreas Christensen
Having shown he can play like a veteran, Andreas Christensen will face off against the best. Throughout the entire season, Christensen has been a crucial part on Chelsea’s defense. He fulfills his role expertly and covers for others’ mistakes.
He is calm, composed and intelligent on and off the ball. On Tuesday night, then, he will have the chance to show his world-class abilities by stopping the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
3. Eden Hazard
With the entire world watching, there will be a battle of comparison on the field: “Eden Hazard vs. Leonel Messi.” And the ultimate questions is: Is Hazard on Messi’s level? Therefore, this is Hazard’s chance to show that he is.
Whether he scores or not, his involvement in the game will be crucial for Chelsea. He needs to be smart with his runs, and if he gets a chance he has to take it. Hazard will face a tight Barcelona defense, but his brilliance and hazardous movement should get him on the right side of the conversation.
4. Antonio Conte
Yes, the manager himself. Antonio Conte is a brilliant coach and an excellent motivator. He has found a way to exploit his players to perform in different positions. He shook up the Premier League with his tactics. But on Tuesday night, the former Italy manager has to get every detail right.
From the line-up and formation to every little run his players have to make, Conte has zero margin for error. However, and more importantly, Conte has to show his players he is one more on the pitch. He has been in the situation many times as a player, and he gives as much from the technical area as anyone on the pitch. Translating his energy and confidence from the sidelines will be extremely important if Chelsea are to get a good result.
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Chelsea will have to fight tooth and nail to get through this round. If that wasn’t enough, Antonio Conte has to prepare his team for a trip to Manchester United on Sunday. A Champions League win will boost the team’s confidence to continue the good run of form.