Chelsea player ratings vs. Wolves: A draw in Thomas Tuchel’s debut
After overseeing just one training session, new Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel took charge for the first time at the Stamford Bridge as the Blues drew 0-0 with Wolves. In a game which was heavily dominated by Chelsea, but featured excellent defending by Wolves, the Blues couldn’t find the winner. It was a solid start as the German laid the foundation for his tactical overhaul, but how well did the players perform individually in Tuchel’s debut?
Edouard Mendy (Goalkeeper): 5/10
Edouard Mendy didn’t have much to do on Wednesday. Wolves had zero shots on goal, so he didn’t have to make a save. He was called off his line a few times, most of the time to clear it comfortably. Mendy did have that one weird instance where he came off his line and passed it to the right-hand side, but it was intercepted. Nothing happened on the back end of that pass for Wolves, but it was the one slightly uncomfortable moment for the Senegalese shot-stopper. Other than that, distribution was pretty good, as well.
Cesar Azpilicueta (Centreback): 5.5/10
Cesar Azpilicueta was surprisingly not a right back today. In a three-man defense, he was playing on the right side as a centerback and did pretty well to clear off any danger. He was involved more than his centreback partners because of his fullback tendencies; he did move up the flank quite a lot and sat behind Callum Hudson-Odoi, which allowed the latter to go forward much, much more, and it showed.
Defensively, Azpilicueta was solid as always. He didn’t have any trouble keeping up with anyone that attacked Chelsea’s goal, simply because there wasn’t much to keep up with. Chelsea had 79 percent of possession, but the captain did his job when he was called upon.
Thiago Silva (Centreback): 5/10
Well, what was said for Azpilicueta’s defensive duties can be said for Thiago Silva’s, as well. The Brazilian didn’t really have much to do on the day. He was at the heart of Chelsea’s defense, and had no problems breaking Wolves’ press through his excellent distribution, which was seen through his quick passes to Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho. He did his job, and did it well.
Antonio Rudiger (Centreback): 5/10
Antonio Rudiger was placed at the left side of the defense, and would’ve had to cover for Chilwell if Wolves had stolen possession from Chelsea and hit the Blues on the counter more often. But, fortunately, he didn’t have to. As is the case with other defenders, he did his job well, and his passing was decent. The German was important in playing out from the back at times because Wolves did press sometimes, and because of the defenders, Chelsea didn’t have a problem in dealing with it.