Soccer
Former Chelsea defender thinks FIFA Club World Cup could be platform for Blues stars to build on
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Chelsea will look to take another step towards FIFA Club World Cup glory tonight as they take on Palmeiras in a quarter-final clash in Orlando.
The Blues take on the Brazilians, having battled through a dramatic last sixteen win over Benfica, and now look to book their place in the final four.
The tournament has given Enzo Maresca's side some competitive action ahead of the new Premier League season and speaking exclusively to DAZN News, thanks to Suomalaisetkasinot.fi, Tony Dorigo believes it's helped some of their star names really stand out.
The former England defender thinks the competition has been hugely beneficial to a selection of their young squad.
"Pedro Neto's been very good, from what we've seen at the Club World Cup." he said.
"Then I look at Romeo Lavia. I think he's been excellent. You think that when he was out, they missed him. It was another one that they missed a lot.
"He's 21, and I keep going to look at the age of these players and think, actually, they're doing rather well for how old they are, but they have got plenty of experience.
"So yeah, these youngsters really should kind of kick on. When you're looking at them peaking as 27, 28-year-olds, they're going to get a lot better. A lot of players in this team, I think, certainly will.
"Malo Gusto again, another young one at right-back. He's done really well. It can only be good for the club going forward."
Chelsea's performances in the States could carry them into the new domestic season, where expectations will be high given the club's form at the end of the last campaign.
Looking ahead, Dorigo thinks they will be some improvement from Enzo Maresca's side, but they'll still fall short of making a real challenge for the title.
Adding, "It's getting the right players to make the right team, and I think that's where Maresca has come in, and at least been given a bit of time after a sticky middle part of the season.
"I think at the end, when they really needed to come good, winning five of the last six was superb, and obviously winning a European trophy, that never harms things either.
"I think they do look like they're going to improve, but getting into the top couple might be a bit beyond them, but certainly just making sure that they're back in that top four again, I think, will be vital."
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