Chelsea will be more than used to having to line up against players who will be on their side in the future, however the same scenario will not crop up in the Champions League next season.
The Blues faced off against Estevao Willian in the Club World Cup quarter-final in what turned out to be his last game for Palmeiras before making the move to Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca shared a conversation with Estevao after the game, and he will now be at work looking to see how he can include the youngster in his plans for next season.
Another player the club will be keeping a close eye on is Dastan Satpaev, after his first team career has got off to an excellent start out in Kazakhstan.
Photo by Ian Cook – CameraSport via Getty ImagesWonderkid Dastan Satpaev denied chance to face Chelsea in Champions League
The 16-year-old was only given regular chances for the senior squad from this season onwards, however has taken them with both hands. Satpaev scored six goals in his first five starts for Kairat Almaty.
With qualifying rounds for European football already underway, Satpaev broke the Champions League record for youngest goalscorer with his strike in the first leg against Kuopion Palloseura.
With the tie poised at 1-1, the Kazakhstan side decided not to start their young talent for the second leg, with this costing them dearly.
They were defeated 2-0, with the striker unable to help turn things around when he was brought on in the second half.
There was still a way to go before they qualified for the competition, however the chance to take on Chelsea in the group stages has now disappeared for the teenager.
Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty ImagesSatpaev’s exciting start to his career
Satpaev is the youngest starter Kazakhstan have ever had, and has made a real impact for both club and country in the early stages of his career.
At one point early in the domestic season, Satpaev was the top scorer in the league, with a move to Chelsea in 2027 likely on his mind.
The Blues broke the record for most expensive player from Kazakhstan with the signing, spending around £3m all in on the deal.
However, with what he has already shown, this looks as if it could be a bargain in the years to come when he gets the chance to make an impact at Stamford Bridge.