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Chelsea player ratings vs. Leeds: Lampard’s Blues beat Bielsa’s side

By Gabe Henderson

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Kurt Zouma of Chelsea celebrates with teammates Olivier Giroud and Ben Chilwell after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on December 05, 2020 in London, England. A limited number of fans are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Kurt Zouma of Chelsea celebrates with teammates Olivier Giroud and Ben Chilwell after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on December 05, 2020 in London, England. A limited number of fans are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s French midfielder N’Golo Kante (L) vies for the ball against Leeds United’s Brazilian midfielder Raphinha (R) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge in London on December 5, 2020. (Photo by MATTHEW CHILDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s French midfielder N’Golo Kante (L) vies for the ball against Leeds United’s Brazilian midfielder Raphinha (R) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge in London on December 5, 2020. (Photo by MATTHEW CHILDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

N’Golo Kante (Defensive midfielder): 9

If not for N’Golo Kante, the Blues would’ve seriously struggled in Leeds’ return to Stamford Bridge. Many top flight teams have been stumped by the blistering pace of Bielsa’s team, but other Premier League squads don’t have the world’s best defensive midfielder at their disposal. Kante kept Leeds from doing much going forward or in transition. The Frenchman was intercepting passes, making tackles and dismantling complex attacks left and right on the day. I—along with other Chelsea fans—cannot imagine how frustrating it’d be to play against the midfield maestro. Luckily, we don’t have to.

Mason Mount (Central midfielder): 9.5

The aforementioned Kante would’ve won Man of the Match by a landslide if not for the flawless play of his attacking midfield counterpart, Mason Mount. Although the young Englishman may not have found himself on the scoresheet, he was creating chances every few minutes. The 21-year-old surpassed some former Chelsea greats en route to creating more chances in a single game than any Blue within the last five seasons. Not even Cesc Fabregas or Eden Hazard were able to create the seven chances Mount did.

In addition to his adept playmaking ability, Mount kept the Blues’ press on and the energy high. This quality—while often underrated—was appreciated by everybody due to the aggressive style of the visitors. Mount scored against Leeds with Derby, and although he didn’t produce a singular moment of greatness this time out, he was still the best player on the pitch.

Kai Havertz (Central midfielder): 6

Kai Havertz has yet to reach full stride, and that’s OK. The German has had a rollercoaster season. He’s battled Coronavirus, moved to a new league and country, had no real preseason, dealt with crowded fixtures—and oh yeah, all in addition to the pressure of being Chelsea’s most expensive transfer ever. Did I mention he just turned 21? Think back to when you were 21 and imagine the stress of going through all of those changes. Havertz hasn’t been a world beater in Chelsea blue yet, but he will be one day.

He struggled against Leeds. However, the one bright spot is the fact he seemingly got more comfortable as the game went on. The best is yet to come from the German wunderkind, just you wait.

Mateo Kovacic: 7.5

In all honesty, Mateo Kovacic should’ve been the one to start this match. His ability to cut through even the smallest gaps when in possession, coupled with his pace, should’ve seen his name in the starting XI. Hindsight is 20/20 though. Kovacic put on a good performance after replacing Havertz in the 67′. He set up a run for Werner with a beautiful through ball in the dying moments of the match. The German then slotted the ball in front of goal where Christian Pulisic was waiting to deliver the fatal blow to Leeds—a good goal made great by Kovacic.

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