Five Chelsea players Thomas Tuchel must select if Champions League final goes to penalties

No doubt Chelsea’s previous two Champions League finals have been settled on penalties and it’s not inconceivable that is again the case tomorrow night in Porto when the Blues face Man City.

Published

3 years ago

May 28, 2021

Babs Ayandayo

Five Chelsea players Thomas Tuchel must select if Champions League final goes to penalties

No doubt Chelsea’s previous two Champions League finals have been settled on penalties and it’s not inconceivable that is again the case tomorrow night in Porto when the Blues face Man City.

It’s a scenario that very few Chelsea supporters will want to contemplate: a penalty shootout to win the Champions League tomorrow night in Porto.

Chelsea has been handed 29 opportunities from the spot this term and last. Only five have been missed, a success rate of 83%.

It’s clear the Blues have players confident and comfortable from 12 yards. They can handle the spotlight, the unique pressure. So if tomorrow night’s game in Porto is decided by penalties, who should be the five that step up for the Blues given their previous records?

Jorginho

There’s no room for debate here. The Italian has been Chelsea’s first-choice penalty taker over the past two years following the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid.

During his three seasons at Stamford Bridge, Jorginho has taken 22 penalties (including shootouts) for the Blues and has only missed four of those. His success rate is an impressive 82%.

Mason Mount

The academy graduate has only taken one penalty outside of shootouts – that was against Southampton back in February and Mount converted with ease.

That wouldn’t be a strong enough record for Mount to convince Thomas Tuchel he’s ready to take a spot-kick in Porto. Fortunately, the England international has more evidence.

Kai Havertz

The 21-year-old will be hoping to start the game out in Porto given his performance in the second leg of the semi-final victory against Real Madrid. However, it’s likely Havertz will be introduced from the substitutes’ bench in the second period and sees out the game.

Cesar Azpilicueta

The Spaniard will captain Chelsea in tomorrow’s final and will be hoping to lift the trophy to come to the conclusion of the contest.

If that arrives after a shootout, it’s likely Azpilicueta will have made the long walk and taken a penalty for his side. He’s got a good record too.

Olivier Giroud

The Champions League final will almost certainly be Giroud’s last game for Chelsea. The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of next month and, as things stand, the Blues do not plan on extending that.

It’s almost certain that the 34-year-old will begin the game on the bench. And he may only be introduced if Chelsea needs a goal…or if the match goes to a shootout.

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Five Chelsea players Thomas Tuchel must select if Champions League final goes to penalties

Five Chelsea players Thomas Tuchel must select if Champions League final goes to penalties

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