Chelsea player ratings at Brighton: The next generation begins

This summer’s acquisitions have signaled the dawn of a new era for Chelsea Football Club, an era in which began at Brighton.

Chelsea earned a much-needed 3-1 victory to kick off its new campaign. The Blues were without new signings Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva, who either missed the game through injuries or lack of training. With midfield maestro Mateo Kovacic suspended for the game and Christian Pulisic deemed unfit to play a part, it was a familiar Chelsea line-up for the most part; other than two much-awaited debuts for Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.

Prior to rating Chelsea’s players, a deserving shoutout goes to former Blue, Tariq Lamptey, who was outstanding throughout the game. Lamptey left Chelsea for Brighton in January 2020 with a desire of gaining first team experience. The 19-year old was unplayable against Chelsea as he remained Brighton’s biggest threat of the match. As incredible as Lamptey’s performance was, it is time to analyze how the current Chelsea players did.

Kepa Arrizabalaga (Goalkeeper): 3

With the arrival of Edouard Mendy imminent, Frank Lampard offered Arrizabalaga one last chance to gain his manager’s trust. Fortunately or unfortunately, the struggling Spaniard failed to do exactly that. After pulling off a decent save in the first half and also completely misjudging a Brighton corner kick, Arrizabalaga’s poor attempt to save Brighton’s equalizer seems to have sealed his fate at Chelsea.

Reece James (Right back): 10

James scored his first ever Premier League goal and more importantly, put in a Man of the Match winning performance that helped the Blues pick up all three points. Having bagged both a goal and an assist, James was just as solid defensively as he was dangerous going forward. The young Englishman made two fantastic blocks, won all four of his aerial duels and was hard to get past or dispossess all night.

James will be expecting to establish himself as one of the best right backs in Europe this season and he could not have asked for a better start to the season. He will be hoping to build upon his connection with Ziyech on the right wing, which is shaping up to be extremely deadly.

Andreas Christensen (Centreback): 9

Christensen showed once again that on his day, he can be Chelsea’s best centreback. The Dane came off an impressive display for his country against England in which his side kept a clean sheet. He made three important interceptions, two tackles and won 100 percent of his duels against Brighton. His reading of the game proves to be superior to all his other competitors for the second defender spot beside Silva.

Most Chelsea fans expect the Brazilian to be paired with Kurt Zouma in defence. However, Christensen will do everything in his power to give Lampard a constant selection headache. His 91.3 percent passing accuracy in yesterday’s game was only bettered by N’Golo Kante, and was much higher than Zouma’s.

Kurt Zouma (Centreback): 9

Zouma’s brilliant defensive display was capped off by a slightly fortunate goal. The Frenchman won 100 percent of his aerial duels, made four interceptions and three clearances. Despite completing seven out of nine attempted long balls, Zouma’s overall passing was disappointing and is the reason why he was not rated higher. His 81.6 percent passing accuracy does not make for good reading, although his position alongside Silva looks to be secured after another assured display.

Marcos Alonso (Left back): 4

Alonso was Chelsea’s only cause of worry for most of the game. The Spaniard did well to make five interceptions; however, his defensive liabilities were taken advantage of by Lamptey. Alonso was nowhere near quick enough to deal with Lamptey’s pace, which is why Brighton looked the most dangerous when they were attacking down his side. It is hard to imagine Alonso starting over a fit Cesar Azpilicueta at left back, let alone Chilwell.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Right back): N/A

With James establishing himself as Chelsea’s right back of the future and a soon to be fully fit Chilwell operating at left back, club captain Cesar Azpilicueta will be finding himself on the bench more often than the veteran will have ever experienced in his career. Regardless of how many games Azpilicueta starts for Chelsea this season, one can be assured of consistent performances filled with desire, passion and heart.