Former Tottenham Hotspur and England manager Glenn Hoddle insists Chelsea midfield star Mason Mount and Manchester City starlet Phil Foden could be the deciding factors in Saturday evening’s UEFA Champions League final.
After each playing 12 matches to make it this
far, Chelsea and City will go head-to-head in Porto on Saturday
evening in a bid to return to England with the most coveted prize in European
club football as part of their hand luggage.
Both sides have impressed massively on route to the final,
with Chelsea dispatching of Real Madrid in the semi-finals and City getting the
better of Paris Saint-Germain.
In truth, both bosses – Thomas Tuchel and Pep
Guardiola – have done remarkably well to lead their respective sides to this
stage, particularly the former, who took over at Stamford Bridge towards the
end of January.
But whilst those two deserve praise for their roles, both
sides are littered with talent in all areas of the pitch.
But despite the sheer level of talent that will be on show
on both sides on Saturday evening, Hoddle believes it will be England
duo Mount and Foden that could have big influences, heaping praise on
the pair of them.
Phil Foden and Mason Mount will both have a big influence on
the game,” Hoddle told Betfair.
“The two England teammates will be kicking lumps out of each
other for one night only and, for whoever wins, it will be a massive confidence
boost going into the Euros.
Even if you lose, it’s a great experience for a young player
in a Champions League final. Both players will gain from playing in
the final.
“I’m really looking forward to watching these two lads. What
an exciting time for them.”
Whilst the individual battles in every area of the pitch
will be a fascinating watch, the overall complexity and tactical approaches by
both Tuchel and Guardiola will be key. Since arriving in west London, Tuchel
has faced Guardiola twice and lead Chelsea to victory on both occasions,
meaning he will be desperate to make it a hat-trick to win the trophy.
But for Hoddle, he insists the first goal will be key this
time around, saying Chelsea are a “very good side” when they get their noses in
front.
He added: “Chelsea are a very good side when they go 1-0 up.
The first goal has never been more important than it will be in the Champions
League final.
“Chelsea have problems when they go behind. If Chelsea go
ahead they can win this game.
“Thomas Tuchel seems to have Pep Guardiola’s number but you
don’t rely on that as a manager. To beat City three times in a season –
following Tuchel’s wins over Guardiola in the FA Cup and Premier League – is
not going to be easy.
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