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Football London
Football London
Sport
Scott Trotter

Thomas Tuchel must repeat Chelsea's ruthless transfer trick with starting lineup decision

Thomas Tuchel has arrived in Abu Dhabi and is facing a difficult decision ahead of this evening's Club World Cup Final.

Edouard Mendy has returned from winning the Africa Cup of Nations, has recuperated and appears fully recharged ready to play, but Kepa Arrizabalaga proved his value against Al-Hilal, as he has throughout his teammate's absence.

Zsolt Low appeared to hint that Mendy may start in the early stages of his press conference, suggesting he was 'ready to play'. However, the Blues coach later clarified it would be a decision that was made closer to the game.

"We're very happy with both goalkeepers," he said. "It's a comfortable situation to have both goalkeepers like this. Now Edou is back he is fresh, we have to take the decision tonight. We talk to Thomas about it.

"The final decision will be some hours before the game but if we decide for one or the other the one on the bench has nothing to be worried or sad about. Both goalkeepers had a big performance in the last weeks. This is why it's a question just for this game. Tonight or latest tomorrow."

The calibre of performance that both have produced has been unquestionable.

Mendy was named best goalkeeper at AFCON, to go alongside his The Best FIFA Men's goalkeeper award from 2021, while Kepa has capably filled the hole that Mendy's departure left in the Chelsea side.

The Spaniard once against showed his penalty prowess, but also earned four clean sheets during Mendy's time in Cameroon.

Low said following the win over Al-Hilal: "In the cup he did a big performance to save the penalty. Today when we needed him he was there and made one big shape. He's in very good shape. He plays and trains well. We're lucky to have him."

It's a very different situation to the last time that Mendy entered a squad where Kepa had been guarding the net for such an extensive period.

In September 2020, Lampard claimed to have brought the 29-year-old to Stamford Bridge for £22 million as competition for Kepa, whose form had plummeted at the start of that season.

His place was in question, with Willy Caballero challenging for number one honours.

Shortly after Mendy put pen to paper, Lampard said: "It is all very positive from the early signs and interactions. Just as a man on the training pitch. He has settled very well in the first few days and we have made him feel welcome as always. It is competition. He is a good goalkeeper and we know a lot about him. We will see how we go."

Very quickly, the former Rennes goalkeeper faced Tottenham, and has oozed confidence ever since.

While Kepa's form was less than convincing it was a bold, and pivotal moment to make the choice to move away from a record £71.6 million signing.

Under Thomas Tuchel, however, Kepa's form and role have been revitalised. The 27-year-old is confident, assertive and has the shot-stopping to back it up. It has been refreshing to have no doubts in Mendy's absence over the last month or so.

Nevertheless, the Blues should make a bold decision once again.

Throughout the last seven days, coaching staff and players alike have made it clear how important winning the tournament is. Despite Kepa's impressive contributions, everyone knows Mendy is Tuchel's number one. His presence in the squad should mean he starts, just like when he was signed.

The Senegal international has returned from a tournament of high quality performances, rather than an injury and to start him sends the signal that the Blues are willing to be ruthless and are out there to win, rather than for sentimental reasons.

It will be a difficult decision for Kepa to take, but Mendy accepting his substitution in the UEFA Super Cup Final won't have been easy for the ego either.

The duo have shown they are are a team, along with Marcus Bettinelli and success is more important than any one of them.

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