Chelsea’s winners and losers of the current campaign thus far

Chelsea enters into the international break following a mixed bag of results and individual performances, but who are this year’s winners and losers so far?

Becoming a Chelsea fan should come with a footnote reading: “Caution: consistency not provided”. Frank Lampard will have a fortnight to brew over his side’s Russian roulette of results as his players depart to their national teams.Winners and losers will always be a part of the beautiful game, particularly when the Blues are concerned. As the first chapter of the campaign concludes, we take a look at who is in the manager’s good book and who belongs on the naughty step:

Losers:

Kepa Arrizabalaga

This passage will remain short, if only to lower the damage already done to the crestfallen goalkeeper. Arrizabalaga has faced the torturous trident that is virtually irreversible for a man in his prominent position: mistake, dropped, replaced. The pause for internationals should serve the Spaniard with rest bite from the accusations and attention. Whether or not he will still be a Chelsea player is another story.

Antonio Rudiger

Not long ago, Antonio Rudiger was front row in the Blues’ defensive department. Now, Lampard has sent the German back into the blackness and rumors have surfaced the manager wants to get rid of Rudiger. He is yet to play a minute of action this campaign. It seems highly unlikely he will be welcomed back to Stamford Bridge after the lay-off from domestic action.

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Marcos Alonso

Marcos Alonso committed several sins against West Bromwich Albion that are inexcusable at any level of football. His poor header fell straight to Callum Robinson, who ran through to open proceedings. Alonso then failed to track Kyle Bartley as the Baggies centerback prodded in a third. Lampard was taking no prisoners, hauling the left back at half time for him not to reappear for the following two games. With Ben Chilwell cruising on the weekend, it seems only inevitable that Alonso has run his race with the Blues.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

No Chelsea fan wants to admit that Ruben Loftus-Cheek has fallen well below par, but unfortunately, that is honest truth. He is a shadow of the elegant, destructive force that earned him rights to an England up, clearly still suffering from his injury problems. A loan move might be the wisest choice for his career, considering he has played just over an hour of football in 2020/21. Here’s hoping he can come back stronger and fitter to fight for his Chelsea future.

Hakim Ziyech

Through no fault of his own, Hakim Ziyech has been a non-entity since his arrival from Ajax in the summer. A knee-injury preseason has ruled out the creative genius of any competitive action this term. He has witnessed his teammates score goals, yet, they have lacked that cutting edge that he will undoubtedly provide upon his hotly anticipated return.

Winners:

Jorginho

Whilst others have gone in reverse and look set to be sent away, Jorginho has quietly revived his role in the Chelsea team. Virtually a non-starter in the tail-end of 2019/20, the Italian has been a silently commanding presence in the middle of the park. Three starts in the league, three goals—all cooly dispatched from the spot—and even an assist. He was named captain twice, a sign of his new responsibility as an elder statesman in the side. Arsenal had shown interest in signing the 28-year-old before the transfer window closed; Lampard proved the faith has been reinstalled when he held off the Gunners’ approaches.

Ben Chilwell

It is never wise to judge a player’s credentials off one performance, however, Chilwell did look the real deal in the 4-0 over Crystal Palace. Making his league debut for the Blues—on his 100th top-flight appearance—he scored, assisted and generally flourished at fullback. Going away with the nationals has almost come at the wrong moment for Chilwell as he was just building a head of steam.

Kurt Zouma

Arguably the best player throughout the early period, Kurt Zouma has begun to establish himself as unstoppable. The potential has always been evident, and his maturity is beginning to shine through alongside his talent. He and Thiago Silva partnered up for the first time against Palace, keeping a clean sheet and generally giving the opponents no joy. Zouma also headed home his second of the season, from a Chilwell cross, as his trajectory continues to rise.

Tammy Abraham

Tammy Abraham has been an interesting case over the past 12 months. Going from the in-form forward in the division to being second fiddle to Olivier Giroud, and now demanding he takes penalty kicks. Timo Werner’s arrival did cast doubts over the extent of Abraham’s involvement, especially because of Giroud’s form post-lockdown. However, the young striker has not kicked up a fuss, instead of forcing his way into the set-up, scoring the equaliser against West Brom and lasting the full 90 at home to Palace up front, in spite of Werner’s presence on the pitch.

N’Golo Kante

2019/20 was an unforgettable chapter in the golden archives of N’Golo Kante. Riddled with injury, the World Cup winner never truly sparked into life, his unrivaled ability sorely missed in Chelsea’s midriff. Now seemingly over his physical problems, Kante has been a bundle of energy and expertise, back where he belongs in Blue. The defensive duties that he has trademarked were in full force as the Eagles were subject to his tackles and interceptions throughout the match. He and Jorginho have struck up a nice balance in midfield, one that Lampard will hope to evolve further when Chelsea plays again in a fortnight.

Who are your winners and losers thus far? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!