Club World Cup Final, PSG - Chelsea: The stage of ...

Not only is it a confrontation between two different football schools led by Luis Enrique and Enzo Maresca, the epic clash between Chelsea and PSG in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final also promises to continue to be a battle between stars who have left their mark at the tournament in the US.

PSG: The Destroyer

All eyes will be on Ousmane Dembele, who is considered the leading light in the Parisian team's remarkable transformation. Enrique's students are showing off a tight tactical system and comprehensive pressing style.

In the first season without the "atomic trio" Neymar - Messi - Mbappe, many people thought that PSG would struggle to find their identity. However, with the skillful steering of coach Luis Enrique, they have transformed dramatically. The French team advanced to the final of the 2025 Club World Cup after a 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

Chung kết World Cup các CLB, PSG - Chelsea: Sàn diễn của những ngôi sao - Ảnh 1. — Notable statistics before the final match between PSG and Chelsea (Graphics: VE LOAN)

PSG currently do not have a typical superstar but are a collection of "tactical stars" - players who play for the system and not depend on any individual. With a philosophy of ball control, high pressure and continuous movement without the ball, Enrique is turning PSG into a "Barcelona 2015" version at the world club level.

Without Mbappe, PSG does not lack speed. Without Messi, PSG is still full of creativity. Dembele is the most obvious highlight.

"Silent killer" Dembele

In the 2024-2025 season, Dembele played 49 games, scored 33 goals and assisted 15 times - the highest performance of his career. The turning point was the victory over Real Madrid, where the French striker contributed a goal and an assist. Notably, PSG's second goal came after Dembele's cool acceleration and finishing, just 3 minutes after opening the score.

Coach Enrique did not hesitate to praise his French student: "Dembele is the best player this season. He always appears at the right time, in the right place when the team needs to attack and score goals."

In fact, Dembele is the core of PSG's flexible scheme. Used as a "false 9", he often moves wide, stretching the opponent's defense, connecting with satellites such as Desire Doue or Kvaratskhelia to create sharp attacking pieces.

PSG's rapid transformation is no less surprising than the way Dembele was "reborn" under Enrique. From a star nicknamed "bad boy" because of his undisciplined habits, playing video games late, sleeping in, meeting and practicing late in Barcelona, this 28-year-old striker has now become a "killer" in PSG's shirt. He is becoming the number 1 candidate for this year's Golden Ball award. As long as Dembele and PSG are crowned champions in the early morning of July 14, this individual award will not escape his reach.

To date, Luis Enrique has led his teams to 11 finals - and won all 11. From his glorious years at Barcelona, to PSG's total domination of French football, Enrique has always known how to make a strong impression in big matches.

In last season's Champions League, PSG eliminated four English clubs on their way to the title, and that was a warning to Chelsea. Therefore, it is easy to understand why the supercomputer Opta ranked PSG with a 64.2% chance of winning, compared to less than 36% for the London team. "We don't play to save energy. PSG will play with all their might, pressing even when they are leading. That's how the team operates," Enrique told the Spanish media before the final.

Chelsea waiting for breakthrough from Pedro and Palmer

For their part, Chelsea beat Fluminense 2-0 in the semi-finals, thanks to the brilliance of Enzo Fernandez and new signing Joao Pedro. Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are shaping a modern possession-based identity, different from the "traditional counter-attack" image of the past.

However, against a PSG team that plays a high pressing and unpredictable game, the London team will have to stay alert. Pressure from the two wings, where Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia operate widely, will be a difficult problem for Chelsea's defense. Counter-attacking is Chelsea's problem because the central defender pair Chalobah/Adarabioyo - Cowill is still inexperienced.

Chelsea have always been an unpredictable team in the past, especially in major finals. They once overthrew Bayern Munich right on their opponent's field in the 2012 Champions League and shocked the mighty Man City in 2021 to win the highest title of European football for the second time. Therefore, with Pedro being tricky even though he is not really fit and Palmer being talented enough to make a difference, don't be too quick to underestimate The Blues!

PSG not only has good attack, good ball control, and quick transitions, but also has a solid defense with the full-back duo Hakimi - Nuno Mendes, behind is the Italian "monument" G. Donnarumma in goal.

If they maintain their form against Real Madrid, the Parisian club will be able to win their first Club World Cup title in history - as a confirmation that they do not need superstars to dominate the world.