The Champions League final awaits the boys in blue as they defeated Real Madrid 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and won the tie 3-1 on aggregate. Saying that sentence earlier this year would have made me look crazy, the genuine turnaround of a team that looked down and out is remarkable. I am so proud of all the players, the managers (that includes Frank Lampard) and the board for putting all the blood, sweat and tears to reach another Champions League final. There is a huge task ahead, but throughout this entire knockout stage, Chelsea has never looked the worst side in a tie. Wednesday night was no different. The amount of chances that the Blues had could have made the scoreline more flattering, but from start to finish, the result was never in doubt.
I’m absolutely over the moon and don’t have any thing bad to say about this performance, every player did what they had to do. Therefore, they all will receive 10 out 10s, sorry to ruin the surprise. Here are the player ratings for Chelsea’s Champions League semifinal triumph:
Edouard Mendy (Goalkeeper): 10/10
Absolutely spectacular sums up Edouard Mendy’s performance in goal Wednesday night. He had several shots come his way ranging in difficulty and handled them with ease. It’s safe to say that he is the best goalkeeper in this competition. With another clean sheet and great performance, there is no reason that award shouldn’t be his come the end of the year.
Andreas Christensen (Centerback): 10/10
Andreas Christensen was amazing. He made the dirty tackles when needed to and as always worked well with the his partners in defense. With the captain playing RWB and venturing more forward, Christensen really filled that gap well and didn’t let anything through.
Thiago Silva (Centerback): 10/10
Thiago Silva’s experience has been invaluable to this young side who, last season, didn’t have many leaders on the pitch. His performances this season have been John Terry-esque and for that reason, we find ourselves in a Champions League final. It’s Silva’s second one in as many years, so you can’t help but be delighted for the Brazilian. In the middle of back three, he has been fantastic and no matter his age, he continues to put maximum effort for 90 minutes. It’s large in part because of him that we’ll end our season in Istanbul.
Antonio Rudiger (Centerback): 10/10
Antonio Rudiger was a masked menace tonight. His work rate is always out of this world, but against Real Madrid, he has been on a different level. The German was everywhere on the pitch, literally. He had one shot on goal from distance that troubled Courtois and another chance if the ball reached him to have another shot on target. At one point this season, he looked seemingly on the way out of the club, but gladly that wasn’t the case because he has been immense.
Cesar Azpilicueta (Right wingback): 10/10
The smile on the captain’s face both when he was subbed off and at full time really was a joy to see. If there is anyone who deserves a chance to win the Champions League, it’s a Spaniard by the name of Cesar Azpilicueta. He is the last remaining stalwart of this beautiful club and his loyalty cannot be understated. Whatever is asked of him, he will put his heart and soul into and will do whatever it takes to bring success to Stamford Bridge.
Jorginho (Central midfielder): 10/10
Regardless of the critics, since Jorginho has arrived, he has really stepped up his game this season. Against Real Madrid, he was brilliant. It may be intimidating to go toe-to-toe with some of best midfielders in the world, but Jorginho was never afraid. He always tried to drive the ball forward to start the attack and deserves an applause for that.
N’Golo Kante (Central midfielder): 10/10
Words cannot describe this little man from Paris, France. I just don’t understand the energy that this man has for 90 minutes. The interceptions that he had within this game could have led to more goals, but the goal that put the nail coffin was all N’Golo Kante. He shouldn’t be just billed as defensive midfielder, but rather just a midfielder that has unmatched energy and desire. This is really a 10 out 10.
Ben Chilwell (Left wingback): 10/10
Ben Chilwell was a little shaky from the start, but rebounded throughout the game and didn’t give Vinicius Jr. a chance to do anything of consequence. If I am handing out praise to all our players, I have to say Ben Chilwell is Ashley Cole 2.0 and you cannot convince me he is not.
Reece James (Right wingback): 10/10
Reece James came on for a tired Azpilicueta and got his well deserved minutes to see the game out.
Kai Havertz (Right winger): 10/10
King Kai did everything right Wednesday night except for score a goal. He unluckily hit the crossbar twice and missed a good chance, but we are finally seeing the talent that he possesses. We bought these players to both develop them into world class individuals, but win things, as well. Finally, both of these things are coming to fruition and the future is very bright.
Timo Werner (Striker): 10/10
Build the statue, now. Timo Werner’s goal not only has earned Chelsea a ticket to the final, but sent the snake—Thibaut Courtois—back home to Madrid with nothing. In all seriousness, despite all his misses this season, Werner has really stepped up his performances as of late. He has contributed in more ways than just goals and without that, I don’t know where we would be.
Mason Mount (Left winger): 10/10
The new age has arrived and it’s being led by a man—yes, a man—by the name of Mason Mount. The old guard reached the Champions League final in 2012 with maybe their last chance to win the competition. Now, only two years into his Chelsea first team career, Mount finds himself with a chance to win it and write his name into the history of this club. The goal he scored was a reward for all the good performances he has put in throughout this campaign and I am so happy that he is a part of this team.
Christian Pulisic (Right winger): 10/10
The American was unlucky to not start, but instantly had an impact when he came on the game. He really opened it up and he showed his incredible quality. Christian Pulisic strikes fear into defenders’ eyes whenever he runs at them. His patience and skill set up Mount to put the tie to rest. The attacking quality within this team is insane and will be asset for the rest of the season and beyond.
Olivier Giroud (Striker): 10/10
We haven’t seen Olivier Giroud a lot as of late, but make no mistake, his goals earlier in the competition are the reason Chelsea is even in the final. He should be thanked for that and clapped on his way out if the final is his last game in a Chelsea shirt.
Hakim Ziyech (Left winger): 10/10
The wizard gets a 10 and a well-deserved trip to the final of the Champions League after a team from north London took that chance from him in 2019.
The rehearsal awaits us on Sunday and it is always important to make a good first impression. With that being said, I have to ask: what ratings would you give the players? Let us know if you’re giving all of them 10s in comments or on Twitter!