Chelsea vs Villarreal player ratings: UEFA Super Cup grades

3 of 4

Chelsea’s Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Super Cup football match between Chelsea and Villarreal at Windsor Park in Belfast on August 11, 2021. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Hakim Ziyech (Right winger): 8/10

Ziyech has undoubtedly been one of the Blues’ best players this preseason. He was rewarded for his early efforts by Tuchel when named to the starting XI. Unfortunately, the Moroccan didn’t look quite as sharp during his time on the pitch against Villarreal. Ziyech struggled to get involved throughout much of the match as his connection with Hudson-Odoi wasn’t there on Wednesday. When he did manage to get possession, his crosses were usually being overhit, uncharacteristic of the Moroccan Magician indeed.

Despite all of this, Ziyech’s class shone through when he opened the scoring by redirecting a cross from Kai Havertz. He was just beginning to get into his groove when he suffered a freak shoulder injury while defending a Villarreal corner. Ziyech had to be taken off just minutes before halftime, putting his chance of starting on Saturday in serious jeopardy. Even with the addition of Romelu Lukaku, Ziyech remains an integral part of the attack as its most creative wide man. Get well soon, Hakim.

Timo Werner (Center forward): 6/10

The best part of this performance is it could be one of the final times fans have to watch Timo Werner play as a lone striker for Chelsea. The announcement of Lukaku is imminent and while many speculate Werner is the biggest loser, I beg to differ. Lukaku has excelled at Inter Milan with a strike partner and Werner did the same at Leipzig. Even if they don’t play together up top, the German will be pushed out wide where he has been better for the Blues. In the Super Cup, Werner added nothing of substance other than a brilliant toe tap that found its way onto the keeper’s glove, forcing an excellent save early on. One could argue he was a dummy for Ziyech’s goal, but it was nothing like the run he had to free up Havertz in the Champions League final back in May.

Kai Havertz (Left winger): 7.5/10

Havertz is another attacker who could’ve been more involved. Much like Ziyech, however, his “bad day” saw him register an assist. It’s going to be a big season ahead for Havertz. Perhaps the most impressive part of the versatile front man’s game against Villarreal was his effort. Havertz never stopped sprinting throughout the entirety of the contest, often tracking back and putting pressure on when out of possession.

Home/Chelsea FC News