Chelsea’s five best players of the 2019/2020 season
With less than three games to the end of the season, Chelsea is in position to achieve a trophy and top four. Who have been the best five players?
The season began with so much uncertainty for the Chelsea faithful due to a number of different factors such as the sale of Eden Hazard, the transfer ban, and the hiring of a relatively inexperienced manager. Frank Lampard has exceeded expectations in his debut season as the Blues’ gaffer. He has certain players to thank. Here are the top five in no particular order:
Mason Mount
Due to the inability to add new players to the squad, Chelsea turned to its “loan army”. Certain players who had impressed on loan were recalled to replace the loss of new signings.
Unsurprisingly, Mount was recalled following a successful spell under Lampard where Derby County narrowly lost the playoff final to Aston Villa. He has enjoyed another productive season so it’s no surprise that he has featured in all but one of the 36 Premier League games so far. With seven goals and four assists, he has been Chelsea’s most productive midfielder this season. His versatility and impressive energy levels also make him such a key component of the team.
Mateo Kovacic
The Croatian was on loan when the ban was pronounced but there was still a possibility of him being signed permanently. Chelsea opted to buy him and what a signing he has proven to be.
Mason Mount’s arrival freed him of almost every attacking burden which has brought out the best in him. He now majorly occupies a deeper role partnering either Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, or both. His dribbling, ball progression and press resistant abilities have been a joy to watch throughout the campaign. Kovacic currently leads the team in dribbles per game, dribbling success rate and passing accuracy.
Willian
Perhaps the biggest beneficiary of Hazard’s departure, Willian took over the Belgian’s jersey number as well as his status as Chelsea’s go to man. While he may not have hit the heights set by Hazard, he has certainly impressed in what has been his best season personally till date.
His 11 goals are only bettered by Abraham while he tops the assists charts for the Blues. His time in West London looked to be over but his performances this season might just cause a change of heart among the Chelsea board.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Captain Fantastic! Another solid season from Chelsea’s most consistent player in recent times. He has played more minutes than any of his colleague which underlines just how vital he has been.
Azpilicueta has played at left back, right back, center back and even wing back this season. This versatility gives the team a much needed tactical flexibility. His offensive contributions have also gone up a notch this season with four goals and seven assists in all competitions
Christian Pulisic
The American did not have the best of starts to life in West London as he struggled with injuries in earlier parts of the season. Since managing to stay fit, he has proven to be a real spark in Chelsea’s attack.
In his eight games since the restart, he has scored three times and assisted one while also winning two penalties. At only 21 years of age, he currently possesses the best minute per goal involvement ratio of any Chelsea player this season. He has weathered the initial storm of his Chelsea career and is set to be a major part of Frank Lampard’s project going forward.
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