The Pride of London
Fansided

Chelsea player ratings: Tactical masterclass overwhelms Man United

By Kevin Peacock

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Mason Mount of Chelsea looks on during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Mason Mount of Chelsea looks on during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea controls the ball as Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United looks on during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andy Rain/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea controls the ball as Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United looks on during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andy Rain/Pool via Getty Images) /

Reece James (Right wingback): 8

One of the kids that actually made the starting XI and the youngster had a good game. James’ development through the academy shows he has a bright future ahead of him. He pressed well and was a powerhouse down the right-hand side. He’s the perfect foil for Azpilicueta behind him. His confidence to shoot on sight will always be advantageous, as will his ability to cross the ball. Of all the kids that have come through Chelsea’s illustrious school of football, James may shine the brightest.

Jorginho (Central midfielder): 7

Jorginho played his normal game without really affecting the result. For that reason, he comes in for a lot of criticism. His role—as we learnt under Maurizio Sarri, but didn’t understand—is a technical one rather than a creative one most of us would prefer. That’s not the player’s fault though. Injury to N’Golo Kante has given the Italian an opportunity as the season peters out, but he seems to slow the game down so much. Chances are, he’ll be heading back to Italy this summer and for all but the fiercest Sarri sympathizers, that will be a blessing.

Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder): 9

The Croatian has been a revelation since his arrival in west London. Against United, he dominated the midfield. He was everything Nemanja Matic used to be and then some. He was strong and decisive and broke up play when necessary. Mixed in was the occasional rash challenge, but on the whole, he fully deserves his place in the starting rotation. Kovacic not only looks menacing, but adds a steel in midfield that has been lacking since the Serb moved up to Manchester.

Marcos Alonso (Left wingback): 8

Often the fall guy, Alonso appears much more comfortable as a wingback than as an outright left back. He’s offensively-minded and as such, he should be used in games that suit his style of play. This game was definitely one of those matches. He grabbed the assist for Harry Maguire’s 74′ own-goal and deserves credit for forcing the opportunity.

Home/Chelsea FC News