Chelsea performed excellently on its most recent trip to Spain, emerging a 4-0 winner over Sevilla, but how do the players get rated?
Chelsea salvaged a point in its first Champions League game of the season against the Spanish opponents. This time though, the Blues blew Sevilla out of the water with Olivier Giroud turning in a masterclass of four goals in the match, walking away with the match ball and then some. Frank Lampard was brave enough to field a rotated side, making nine changes to the team that drew Spurs at the weekend. This team performed excellently though, but how did the players do individually?
Edouard Mendy (Goalkeeper): 8
Mendy was the definition of safe hands in this match again. He made three saves from the three shots on target that he faced. This is how clean sheets are kept. He saved a point blank attempt in the first half, keeping the score at 1-0. Mendy was constantly seen talking to his centerbacks and ensuring they didn’t lose any runners, as well as claiming crosses to snuff out danger.
Cesar Azpilicueta (Right back): 7.5
Azpilicueta was adequate. He did everything he was expected to including tracking runners and tackling when necessary. Reading the game and making crucial interceptions, it was a standard Azpi performance.
Andreas Christensen (Centerback): 7.5
A lot has been said about Christensen and indeed every centerback on the Chelsea roster. Many fans talked about not wanting to see the Danish footballer in Chelsea colours again, and many said he should learn how to defend. It turns out what this defense—and the Dane—needed was a sprinkle of some Mendy behind them. The confidence Mendy instills in his defense is tangible.
Antonio Rudiger (Centerback): 8
Rudiger is another example of a player that Chelsea supporters had written off due to external factors. Rudiger was the best defender on the pitch today, putting his body in the way of four (!) shots. He also completed nine of 13 long balls. This highlights his impressive distribution and leadership. Don’t look now, but Rudiger has kept a clean sheet in all the games he has started this season.
Emerson (Left back): 7.5
Emerson’s work rate was impressive throughout the match. He was also present for defending, and not just roaming for the sake of it. He also contributed to chance creation, making a team high three key passes in the game. He did attempt nine crosses though, completing only one.