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

By Hugo Amaya | Sep 24, 2020

Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz (R) celebrates with Chelsea's English striker Tammy Abraham (L) and Chelsea's English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi (R) after scoring his team's fourth goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Barnsley at Stamford Bridge in London on September 23, 2020. (Photo by Alastair Grant / 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 ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Chelsea’s German midfielder Kai Havertz (L) celebrates after scoring his team’s fifth goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Barnsley at Stamford Bridge in London on September 23, 2020. (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder): 9

Kovacic was great, but when is he not? The Croatian was at the heart of everything at all times, running play the entire game. His control, vision and tranquility on the ball allowed him to dictate everything Chelsea did. Kovatic may not gotten an assist nor a goal, but his contribution was invaluable. As always, he showed that he stands as one of Chelsea’s best signings in recent years, but he also proved that he will be crucial this season for the Blues.

Ross Barkley (Central midfielder): 9

Barkley seems to always put his best performances in cup games, and he did that once again against Barnsley. Whether he was playing in front of the defense, or helping the attack, Barkley did it all. With a goal to his name, good mentality and impressive work ethic, it is hard to deny him another chance in coming games. Although he did miss an open goal opportunity, he can be forgiven since the game was practically won.

Kai Havertz (Attacking midfielder): 10

If a hat-trick isn’t worth Man of the Match, we don’t know what is. Kai Havertz started the first 10’ of the game slow and cautious, but with some help from his teammates, Chelsea’s new signing got himself a hat-trick. It was the combination of positioning, running in behind the defense and the communication with Abraham that allowed the German to shine. It is clear that his previous performances are in the past, and one can only hope to see more of today.

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