Jorginho (No. 5) Defensive midfielder, Italy
Jorginho has played well in the Champions League this season, as well as the Premier League. He’s a big character and the only nominal defensive midfielder on the team’s roster behind N’Golo Kante. Lampard has spoken about his leadership qualities several times and even if you don’t want to take the gaffer’s word for it, you can see that Jorginho has not moaned to the media about his playing time and that’s admirable. Many believed the Italian would be on his way out, but he’s dug in deep and performed admirably for the Blues this campaign.
Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Central midfielder, Croatia
Mateo Kovacic changed the game when he came on against Leeds United. I don’t say this often, but Kai Havertz was having a stinker and the Croatian was the cure. Kovacic brought more energy and efficiency to the Blues’ play, which was epitomized in the run he made to release Timo Werner for the assist in Chelsea’s third goal that killed the game off. Kovacic is one of Chelsea’s best midfielders and in the past few games, he has been raising the level of Chelsea’s midfield play.
Billy Gilmour (No. 47) Central midfielder, Scotland
Billy Gilmour has been injured for the better part of a year, after having two very good games against Liverpool and Everton. Gilmour’s talent is clear for all to see, and he will only get better the more game time he gets under his belt. Chelsea fans are excited to see Gilmour return to the line-up and an inconsequential game is perfect for the small Scotsman to stretch his legs after making a brief cameo last week against Sevilla.