Chelsea player ratings vs. Rennes: A dull, but solid, showing

Hakim Ziyech (Right winger): 7

Hakim Ziyech made his third consecutive start in all competitions, failing to find the net for the first time since coming on as a substitute against Manchester United late last month. He suffered more than any other player from Kai Havertz’s on-field absence. The void the 21-year-old left caused Ziyech to drop into the midfield and pick up the ball there, taking away from his connection with James on the right. The Moroccan still created some magic moments against Rennes, just nothing too noteworthy on the day.

Tammy Abraham (Striker): 8.5

I’m running out of good things to say about Tammy Abraham this year, seriously. Much of the offseason consisted of speculation about Abraham’s future with the club upon Timo Werner’s arrival. Nobody took that more personally than the 23-year-old, who stayed quiet and worked his ass off. After a difficult restart following the Coronavirus break, Abraham has rebounded in a big way this season. Unlucky not to get a goal against Burnley last weekend, the Englishman was rewarded for his patience against Rennes. His positioning was phenomenal, especially on his goal at the near post to put the game to bed. Abraham’s beginning to raise a few questions regarding his role in the starting XI going forward.

Timo Werner (Left winger): 9

Timo Werner didn’t take anybody’s breath away, but still managed to win Man of the Match. Perhaps that speaks to the fans’ infatuation with the German, or maybe it represents how good a player Werner truly is. He won another penalty—legitimately, none of this Man United silly business—and slotted it home with ease. Werner went on to slot home a second from the spot after a highly debatable penalty (shouldn’t have been called, honestly) was given to the Blues. No matter how the goals go in, the important part is that they do. The new designated penalty taker oozes confidence after another superb showing.

Olivier Giroud (Striker): 5.5

Olivier Giroud, much like his strike partners, ran into some great positions. He was able to exploit spaces in behind and in between Rennes’ centerbacks. Unfortunately for him, he missed some great looks and in the end, that’s all that matters to strikers. There isn’t a shot he took he wouldn’t have liked to have gotten back.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (Right winger): N/A

Callum Hudson-Odoi came on in the 75′ for a bit of fitness training. He failed to make a significant impact on the match, but then again, how could you expect him to? Maybe Werner and Ziyech’s extensive usage means a start is on the horizon for Hudson-Odoi, you never know.

What would you rate each player in the match versus Rennes? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!