Chelsea player ratings vs. Watford: Lampard’s anniversary gift
By Ishan Shah
N’Golo Kante (Midfielder): 7
Phenomenal as always defensively, Lampard will hope that Kante’s injury is not serious. He has struggled with injuries all season, and just began to look like himself again. Kante has found himself in a new role since the restart of football, one he hasn’t played in years. He has been good so far, however, he still has room for improvement in his passing; especially against predominantly defensive oppositions. Kante often takes an extra touch which slows the game down. However, credit to Kante for recognizing his deficiency and not attempting any risky passes that could endanger Chelsea’s defence.
Ross Barkley (Midfielder): 10
After a disappointing display against West Ham, Barkley came back swinging versus Watford. He provided a wonderful assist for Olivier Giroud’s opener and was running the show in midfield along with Mason Mount. His goal was much harder to take than most people would think. Barkley showed great composure to take a touch, settle himself and rifle his shot into the top corner. With Kante at the base of the midfield, Barkley has the freedom to express himself on the pitch, and he is taking advantage of the opportunity provided to him by Lampard.
Mason Mount (Midfielder): 8
Mount was reliable as always off the ball, winning back possession several times high up the pitch. The 21-year-old’s relentless pressing and energy both off and on the ball set the tone for the rest of the team. His pinged pass into Barkley’s feet, which led to Giroud’s goal, was recognized by football legend Cesc Fabregas, who took to Twitter to praise Mount for his impressive display.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Midfielder): 7
Loftus-Cheek missed a very good headed chance after a wonderful James cross. However, when you look at the big picture and consider his long-term injury, the midfielder getting into good positions is much more important than him finishing those chances. The sharpness associated with tucking away those chances will only come with more games. Each game he plays, he looks more likely to score, and I do not doubt that his goal is coming soon.
Billy Gilmour (Midfielder): 6
Kante could probably take a lesson on movement and one-touch passing from young Gilmour. However, Gilmour still has tons to learn from Kante on the defensive side of things as he was caught out several times.