UEFA Super Cup Final: The chance for European glory beckons as Chelsea faces Villarreal in the Super Cup Final on Thursday in Belfast as both sides eye a maiden title.
The contest is set to be an intriguing one as the Champions League and Europa League winners go head-to-head in this one-off Final.
A number of key players will be absent from either side due to the break taken after international commitments during the summer.
Yet, the action is set to unfold with both sides aiming to win their maiden UEFA Super Cup silverware.
Champions League winners Chelsea and Europa League winners Villarreal will meet in the UEFA Super Cup in Belfast tonight!
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) August 11, 2021
We look at the top 5 players, who are expected to play a key part in the UEFA Super Cup 2021 as the first European silverware is up for grabs.
N’Golo Kanté
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The midfielder once again will look to continue his good form this season as well after his exploits last season particularly in the Champions League.
“I wanted many years to have N’Golo in my team and now I have him here!” 🤝
“If you play with him, you play with half a man more.” 💪
“He needs to accept that I will cuddle him, I do this a lot!” 🤗
Thomas Tuchel just loves N’Golo Kante 🥰 #UCL #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/67Ee2zQBRz
— Goal (@goal) May 29, 2021
Kanté was at the center of it all he used his guile, intelligence and held his own during important matches such as the semi-final vs Real Madrid, final vs Manchester City.
The Frenchman will once again look to play his part in the final and help Chelsea win their maiden Super Cup title.
Hakim Ziyech
Ziyech may not have enjoyed the best of seasons last time out but is always a key player with his quick run and intelligent play.
He is capable of making a difference and is another top contender to perform well.
The Chelsea winger scored a brace in their last pre-season match vs Spurs and will be in all certainty given a starting berth in the final.
This is his chance to prove his critics and doubters with a stellar performance.
Kai Havertz
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The versatile German player scored the only goal of the UCL final last season as Chelsea achieved glory.
He will be expected to once again do his job in another final.
Kai Havertz comes off a decent Euro season where he scored twice in four matches for Die Mannschaft.
Havertz gets into pockets of space and makes quick runs. Tuchel will want his front man to tease the Villarreal defense in pursuit of goals, creating chances.
Manuel Trigueros
The Spanish midfielder finished as Villarreal’s top assist maker last season with seven to his name.
He will be a key figure in the center of the park and will want to put in another good show in the final.
Trigueros has wealth of experience and will use the same against Chelsea.
His ability to put in through balls, controlled play are his aces; which Chelsea will need to blunt if they are to achieve success.
Gerard Moreno
Moreno will be the Yellow Submarine’s hope of scoring goals as he heads into the final as their top scorer last season.
The Spanish striker scored 23 goals, provided 7 assists in 33 La Liga appearances as he finished his best La Liga season with the men in Yellow.
Emery will hope to see his striker continue with another stellar performance as Villarreal aim to win their first Super Cup title.
He’s not going anywhere 🤩
Gerard Moreno extends his contract with Villarreal until 2027. He’ll be 35 then 😯 #LLL
🧡🇪🇸⚽️ pic.twitter.com/BCR2Ed6h1v— La Liga Lowdown 🧡🇪🇸⚽️ (@LaLigaLowdown) August 9, 2021
Gerard comes off a good Euro campaign as well where he provided 2 assists as well as put in the hard yards; with Spain sealing a semi-final finish.