Frank Sinclair thinks FIFA Club World Cup could be perfect stage for Chelsea's young stars

Chelsea finished the season on a massive high following qualification for next year's Champions League and then went on to lift the Europa Conference League trophy. 

Now Enzo Maresca's men head to the United States this month with more glory on their minds as they look to win the newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup.

They'll join 31 other sides from across the globe in the competition, but one former Blues star thinks the club could use the tournament as the ideal place to showcase some of the new young stars. 

Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, thanks to Wildz Casino, Frank Sinclair believes it could be an ideal opportunity to see how strong the Chelsea squad is.  

He said, "I think they'll treat that as a tester tournament for the players that have been in and around it, because it's been a really long season.

"You think about the internationals. The internationals haven't had a break in those international breaks. And, you know, it's been a long season for Chelsea and I feel like the squad's been challenged because of injury, etc. It's been pushed to its maximum.

"So I feel like, yes, of course, you know, every competition you go into, you want to win it. But I feel it might be one that they probably breed a few youngsters and Enzo finds out a bit more about the fringe players and the young players who are probably coming through." 

Such is the size of Chelsea's squad that the tournament could present an opportunity for one of the 'fringe' players to really make an impact, with the likes of Tyrique George, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Guiu all itching to prove a point to the manager. 

Sinclair thinks there's a chance for these players to show that their manager can put his trust in them ahead of a big season next year. 

Adding, "Yeah, absolutely, someone could make a big impact. Because when you look at the standard of the tournament and the other teams in it, it's going to be challenging.

"So these younger players will be pushed to their maximum. And if they come out the other side of it with a lot of credit, then there's those trust elements that Enzo can look at and say, you know, can I trust you in the Premier League? Can I trust you in the FA Cup?.

"So that's where I feel that the tournament should be used." 

Watch all 63 matches of the 2025 Club World Cup live on DAZN. More information and to sign up for a free account here.