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Three key clashes to watch as Chelsea duels Sevilla for first place

By Gabe Henderson

Sevilla's Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic (CR) jumps against Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz (CL) during the UEFA Champions League first round Group E football match between Chelsea and Sevilla at Stamford Bridge in London on October 20, 2020. (Photo by Alastair Grant / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Sevilla's Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic (CR) jumps against Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz (CL) during the UEFA Champions League first round Group E football match between Chelsea and Sevilla at Stamford Bridge in London on October 20, 2020. (Photo by Alastair Grant / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Sevilla’s Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic (CR) jumps against Chelsea’s German midfielder Kai Havertz (CL) during the UEFA Champions League first round Group E football match between Chelsea and Sevilla at Stamford Bridge in London on October 20, 2020. (Photo by Alastair Grant / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Sevilla’s Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic (CR) jumps against Chelsea’s German midfielder Kai Havertz (CL) during the UEFA Champions League first round Group E football match between Chelsea and Sevilla at Stamford Bridge in London on October 20, 2020. (Photo by Alastair Grant / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

3. Ivan Rakitic vs. the world

Ivan Rakitic is one of the best success stories in world football this season for the simple fact he is driven by his vengeance. Rakitic surely felt hard done by Barcelona, who let him go essentially for free, and is now on a mission to prove the Blaugrana’s assessment of him was incorrect. Sevilla made a savvy selection by snatching up the midfielder’s services.

Now, many are likely wondering “how does this relate to Chelsea?” Well, let me tell you. Rakitic isn’t a crucial tactical cog in Lopetegui’s machine, and that’s terrifying to hear as the Croatian is merely a luxury to the Spanish side. The Sevilla manager has assigned crucial roles for both centerbacks and one or two of the midfielders, but not Rakitic. Therefore, the 32-year-old World Cup runner-up is allowed the freedom to roam up and down the pitch as he pleases. His tactical assignment is actually quite similar that of his Croatian teammate, Mateo Kovacic, in Chelsea’s current 4-3-3.

Rakitic has thrived in this role under Lopetegui, which presents a problem for the Blues. Rakitic has a “me against the world” mentality and in order to stop him, Chelsea is going to have to throw everything it has at him. Realistically, it could just take a simple man-mark by either Kovacic or N’Golo Kante. But if Rakitic gets free, he can be lethal, hence the metaphorical exaggeration. This is a lesson Krasnodar found out in the early moments of last week’s Champions League match when the midfielder unleashed a thunderbolt from outside of the 18-yard box to open the scoring.

Rakitic has mustered up three goals and two assists this season from the middle of the park. He’s always seemed to have a knack for causing problems for Chelsea, as well. Therefore, the Blues will need to find a way to take the former Barcelona man out of the game early if they want any chance of leaving Spain with three points in hand.

dark. Next. Three things to look for as Chelsea travels to Sevilla for a decisive match

What are they key clashes you’ll be keeping an eye on? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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