Mateo Kovacic has labelled his Chelsea team-mate Kepa Arrizabalaga as "world-class" following the goalkeeper's fine performance in the 1-0 win against Al Hilal.
The Spanish shot-stopper has started the Blues' last seven matches in all competitions with Edouard Mendy representing Senegal in their triumphant Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
However, Mendy has now joined up with his Chelsea team-mates, with the usually first-choice goalkeeper arriving in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, but Kepa was given the nod in between the posts against Al Hilal.
In the semi-final win, Kepa produced a couple of really important saves for Chelsea as they managed to book a slot in Saturday's final against Palmeiras.
After the game, Kovacic, who was voted as Man of the Match at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, spoke about Kepa's performance and called his team-mate "world-class".
Kovacic said: "Kepa is a world-class goalkeeper. We are blessed that we have three world-class goalkeepers. We're very happy that Kepa performs at such a level. We're used to it, it's nothing new for us.
"It was a very difficult game. It was the semi-final of the Club World Cup, it was always going to be difficult. I think we should have scored that second goal, to relax us a little bit, but we are happy we got through."
Kovacic was also asked about the weekend's final against Palmeiras and the Croatia international accepted it will not be an easy game for Chelsea, despite being huge favourites.
He added: "We know how passionate the Brazilian fans are. We expect a tough game, a very difficult game. We are really looking forward to Saturday.
"It would be amazing to win another final. It's not easy to reach any final, yet alone a Club World Cup. You have to qualify for the Champions League, win the Champions League and then win a semi-final.
"Now we have one game left. It will not be easy but we will do everything we can to win the trophy."
