Romelu Lukaku may have been the hero for Chelsea as his goal against Al-Hilal sent them through to the Club World Cup final, but the Belgian has been told he can still "give more".
It's been a roller-coaster since Lukaku returned to Stamford Bridge for £97.5million in the summer, as injuries and controversies have followed the forward since leaving Inter Milan.
Chelsea face Palmeiras in the Club World Cup final on Saturday as Thomas Tuchel eyes more silverware, and looks to add a world title to his European crown.
Lukaku is expected to play a large part, but the forward has been told that he can still give more by Chelsea legend Geremi.
Chelsea are heavy favourites to win the Club World Cup, but Brazilian side Palmeiras, Copa Libertadores winners, stand in their way of another major trophy.
Lukaku's goal in the semi-final against Al-Hilal was his ninth in a Chelsea shirt this season, putting him level with Jorginho as top scorer, but it's been a mixed return to Stamford Bridge for the Belgian.
There is no denying Lukaku's quality, but an unlucky sequence of injuries kept the striker out of the side for some time, and his interview saga in the new year set the Belgian back even more.
But class is permanent and Lukaku proved that he can still be the difference once more on Wednesday, but he has been told by Geremi that he can still offer more, and believes that his controversy will not stop him, as it was misunderstood.
Geremi exclusively told Mirror Football as part of Three's official launch of it's 5G network at Chelsea: "I think that there was a lot of misunderstanding and misinterpretation about what happened.
"His attitude says that he is happy, so I think it was all misinterpreted about what he said.
"Of course, I think he can still give more, but he is trying. Lukaku is one of the best strikers in the world and every club would love to have him in the squad."
Lukaku will certainly have to give more if Chelsea want to be in this competition again this time next year, but Geremi also beleives that they have what it takes to defend their Champions League crown this season.
"Yes, yes this is what I wish and the squad that they have it is a squad to compete and I think they are still there [at the top]," Geremi said. "I think they’ve secured a good draw because they play against French teams, so I think it is possible, and they have Ngolo Kante, who knows these French teams very well."
Geremi knows what it takes to be a big influence in the midfield, as he won two Premier League titles with Chelsea as a player, and singled out Ngolo Kante as the 'biggest player in the world' at this moment in time.
"Big, big player," Geremi said of the Frenchman. "When you look at his stats everything is at the top and I think he is still getting better. He is taking more responsibility and you see the season he had last year, and this season also what he’s doing.
"For me, the biggest player in the world right now, I can say that."
One thing that does need a boost is Chelsea's league form, as they could return as World Champions to find themselves 16 points behind Manchester City.
However, with Lukaku's form yet to pick up and Chelsea still with hunger and desire, Geremi believes that despite the mammoth gap, the title race is not ever yet.
"Manchester City have not won anything yet," Geremi said. "Mathematically [for Chelsea] it is still possible because when you look at it there’s still a lot of matches to play.
"When you look at the difference in points it’s only three or four matches, so I think when you are a footballer you believe that this is still possible. Anything can happen in football."
Geremi was one of five Chelsea legends taking part in Three’s official launch of its 5G network going live at Chelsea FC this week. Gudjohnsen, Gianfranco Zola, Geremi, Gallas and Green were five legendary ‘G’s’ that welcomed the arrival of Three’s 5G at Stamford Bridge as the first Premiership football ground to have full 5G across the stadium.
The move to 5G follows Three’s commitment to support fan engagement at the stadium and beyond as part of its sponsorship of Chelsea FC. The capacity of Three’s 5G means that everyone will be able to access a seamless and connected experience on match days. The low latency and huge capacity of 5G means fans can therefore enjoy game, keep up with other scores, stream highlights in HD at half-time, and video call friends to meet up for a half-time drink and snack – a simple task that frustrates many fans when visiting stadiums. It paves the way for the ultimate connected fan experience.
