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Chelsea player ratings at Anfield: The writing is on the wall

By Gabe Henderson

Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma (L) vies with Liverpool's Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on July 22, 2020. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma (L) vies with Liverpool's Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on July 22, 2020. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JULY 22: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on July 22, 2020 in Liverpool, 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 Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JULY 22: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on July 22, 2020 in Liverpool, 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 Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Reece James (Right wing-back): 6

After the performance of his season at the weekend, James looked a bit shaky at Anfield. He was back to his old ways, losing balls with his casual approach. Simply put, James got a lot of hype at the beginning of the season—rightfully so—but it’s time to pump the brakes. The English international isn’t perfect, he still has a lot to work on. If James’ can improve his defensive positioning and lackadaisical approach when on the ball, he can reach Trent Alexander-Arnold levels.

Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder): 8

One can’t help but feel for Kovacic. He left it all out on the pitch and at times, looked like the only Chelsea player with an ounce of fight left. The Liverpool loss falls on the shoulders of a lot of people—the Croatian is not one of them. He was superb once again in midfield, with his only “mistake” being the questionable free kick he gave away. Emphasis on the questionable. His dribbling skills and ability to connect the midfield to attack with ease is eye-opening. Kovacic has been Chelsea’s best player this season, this performance is another impressive one for his resume.

Jorginho (Central midfielder): 3

Jorginho’s failed clearance and inability to defend led to two goals against Liverpool. He offers little-to-nothing going forward and is not athletic enough to start in a match like this. Jorginho was pocketed by Naby Keita, jogging around in his shadow for most of the match. He’s a talented player, but he doesn’t fit the type of football Lampard wants to play. I wish him the best in his future endeavors away from Chelsea, as his fate is sealed after this abysmal performance.

Marcos Alonso (Left wing-back): 5

Alonso was a non-factor for a lot of the match, which is quite surprising. The one stand-out moment he had was on Liverpool’s fifth goal when he failed to hustle back on the counter and mark Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. A day to forget for the man who usually thrives at this position.

Emerson (Left wing-back): N/A

Emerson didn’t play long enough to earn a rating. He didn’t make much of an impact when coming on either. The only notable thing about his game was the fact it is likely his last in a Chelsea shirt.

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