Chelsea player ratings vs. Barnsley: A performance for the ages

Chelsea coasted past Championship side Barnsley in the League Cup. It was a terrific team performance, but here’s how each individual was rated.

Wednesday’s match against Barnsley was just about as exciting a match as Chelsea could’ve hoped for. The Blues swept the Tykes away, defeating their Championship foes 6-0 on the night. Debuts were handed to Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz bagged a hat-trick and even Ross Barkley found himself on the scoresheet. Here is how each player rated in the Carabao Cup match:

Willy Caballero (Goalkeeper): 9

As solid as anyone has seen Caballero in a while. Caballero is usually an expert at giving fans a heart attack or two. However, this is was a great performance by the keeper. If not for the Argentine, this game could have gone an entirely different direction. Barnsley had more than enough chances to score, but 38-year-old stepped up to the plate and put on an outstanding performance. With Kepa Arrizabalaga surely not to start again for Chelsea, Caballero looks like a solid replacement for the time being.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Right back): 9

The hardest worker in the team should always be the captain, and Azpilicueta embodies that principle. The skipper hardly put a foot wrong as he intercepted passes, was always available and covered the empty spaces on time. Azpilicueta was even found running towards the box a couple of times and almost got himself a goal during a corner. His work is surely not spoken about enough, but he will be one of the most important assets this season for Chelsea and Frank Lampard.

Fikayo Tomori (Centerback): 8

Once again, a very solid and promising performance from the young defender. After the Liverpool game, Tomori was surely to start and aren’t we glad he did. Tomori did his job and then some by providing solid cover, interceptions and clearances. His development is coming along nicely, and one can hope to see more of him as the games come around. With recent performances, Tomori could prove to be Chelsea’s best defenders for years to come.

Thiago Silva (Centerback): 8

A solid performance from the new signing. His positioning, aggressiveness and understanding of the game were impressive throughout. Although he was substituted in the 61’, such action was understandable as this was just a match to gain fitness, rather than showcase skills. However, Silva’s experience will surely come in handy in the near future.

Emerson (Left back): 6

In defense, Emerson was shaky, but going forward, he seemed effective. It is the same problem with Emerson where he runs up field and doesn’t get back on time, over and over again. Therefore, since he played most of the game as a left back, his performance was unimpressive. Attacking on the right was a different story. Emerson got into good positions, made some good passes and connected well with the other attackers. Maybe this is the start for a new position for the Italian, as well as better performances.

Kurt Zouma (Centerback): 8

Kurt Zouma came on for Silva and did what Zouma does, defend with authority. Although the Frenchman gave up a couple of passes away, he still defended admirably. More importantly, it is becoming easier to see his partnership with Tomori building. Today was not a difficult task for Zouma, but it will count as a step forward in his physical fitness and mental sharpness.

Ben Chilwell (Left back): 8

An assist and some minutes for fitness; Chilwell’s performance was calm and collected. Not too many runs forward, a couple of good interceptions and the assist described his night—almost what you would call “as cool as you like.” Surely this game served as a means to get back on track and claim his place in the squad sooner rather than later.