Chelsea player ratings: Blues hold on to win at Sheffield United

Reece James (Right Wing-Back): 7

Like Ben Chilwell, Reece James has also suffered ever so slightly from a change in position. James is best when he arrives late to the scene, making an overlapping or underlapping run. Both Chilwell and James are more comfortable with joining the attack from deeper positions. Receiving the ball high up the pitch and having to work something out from there does not make the most of their attributes. James was restricted to attempting only one cross, but defensively, James was very solid, dominating the right flank entirely.

Jorginho (Midfielder): 7

Jorginho is often criticized for passing backwards and sideways. He is also criticized for his lack of physicality and recovery pace. While his lack of defensive attributes was exposed to some extent by Sheffield United’s midfield, it is clear that Tuchel wants to make sure that Jorginho is playing more progressive line-breaking passes. His ice-cold penalty capped off a good day at the office. However, during the latter stages of the game, the Italian did need some additional protection in the form of N’Golo Kante.

Mateo Kovacic (Midfielder): 8

Mateo Kovacic has been hitting some fine form under Tuchel. He put in another stellar display in yesterday’s game, controlling all aspects of the midfield. He had the most touches of any player on the pitch (121), completed three out of four dribbles, and played a number of sublime long passes in behind Sheffield United’s defense. The silky Croatian has been working very well with midfield partner Jorginho and is reminding fans why he was named Chelsea’s Player of the Year last season.

Ben Chilwell (Left Wing-Back): 6

Ben Chilwell made a return to the starting 11 after watching the last two games from the bench. It was a chance for him to prove to his new manager that he could adapt to his new role. The England international was visibly nervous in the beginning, giving away an unnecessary penalty only to be saved by the Lord and Saviour of the game, VAR. That being said, he did eventually grow into the game, and even played a crucial role in the build-up of the opening goal. The 24-year-old looks far from his best as a wing-back but deserves time to adapt to the new role over the next few weeks.

N’Golo Kante (Midfielder/Substitute): N/A

Kante had a good impact off the bench, immediately adding energy and a fresh pair of legs to Chelsea’s midfield. His 15-minute cameo was needed to close out the game, but it was not long enough to warrant a rating.

Marcos Alonso (Left Wing-Back/Substitute): N/A

On replacing Chilwell around the hour mark, Alonso added height and experience to Chelsea’s team. He looks much more suited to the wing back role and played his part in securing all three points.