Softfootball has reviewed and compared the players from Thomas Tuchel’s Champions League-winning Chelsea team and Enzo Maresca’s 2025 Club World Cup-winning side, using publicly available performances, roles and overall impact during those successful periods.
This follows a previous analysis on Di Matteo vs Tuchel: Who Truly Had the Greater Impact at Chelsea, where Tuchel’s reign was described as more transformative. He arrived during a difficult period, rebuilt Chelsea’s identity, introduced structure and balance, and turned the team into one Europe feared.
Here is Softfootball’s player-by-player comparison based on quality and influence:
Mendy vs Robert Sánchez
Edouard Mendy was stable throughout Chelsea’s 2020–21 Champions League triumph. Sánchez, while prolific at times, appeared shaky in goal during Maresca’s run.
Ben Chilwell vs Marc Cucurella
Cucurella was excellent during the Club World Cup, offering strong attacking output, largely due to his inverted role. Chilwell, however, provided a better balance between attack and defence under Tuchel.
Rüdiger vs Tosin
This comparison is straightforward. Rüdiger was elite defensively and a key reason he later moved to Real Madrid. Tosin performed well, but Rüdiger was far ahead in defensive dominance.
Thiago Silva vs Chalobah
Had it been Colwill, the comparison might have been tighter. Silva’s leadership, experience and partnership with Rüdiger defined Chelsea’s defensive structure during the Champions League run.
Reece James under Tuchel vs Reece James under Maresca
James under Tuchel was more stable, suffered fewer injuries, and delivered at a higher level both offensively and defensively than under Maresca.
Kanté vs Caicedo
One of the closest debates. Caicedo has proven himself as an outstanding defensive midfielder at Chelsea, but Kanté operated on another level — faster, more fluid and game-changing, especially in big matches.
Jorginho vs Enzo Fernández
Both are elite passers. Enzo offers more forward and long-range passing with greater goal involvement, giving him a slight edge over Jorginho.
Mason Mount vs Cole Palmer
Palmer has been electrifying, but Mason Mount’s level during Tuchel’s Champions League campaign was exceptional. This is another tight call, but Mount gets the nod based on impact during that period.
Timo Werner vs Pedro Neto
Both rely on pace and directness. Werner struggled to meet expectations at Chelsea, while Neto was more consistent and effective during Maresca’s Super Cup success.
Ziyech vs Estêvão
Estêvão has shown promise, but Ziyech’s experience and crucial goals during the 2020–21 Champions League give him the advantage.
Havertz vs João Pedro
Both functioned as false nines, but Havertz’s winning goal against Manchester City in the Champions League final places him ahead.
Both teams under Tuchel and Maresca were highly effective in their own ways. Debates such as Chilwell vs Cucurella and Mount vs Palmer remain finely balanced. Notably, if Palmer were assessed under Pochettino rather than Maresca, the outcome might differ.
Ultimately, Tuchel’s Champions League side edges the comparison due to leadership, defensive solidity and historic impact, while Maresca’s team showcased modern fluidity and attacking structure in their Club World Cup success.
