Chelsea vs Villarreal player ratings: UEFA Super Cup grades

Christian Pulisic (Left winger): 5/10

Christian Pulisic struggled to make an impact on this game. Heavily. The American came on before halftime and his most significant moment came during extra time, which tells you everything you need to know. To be fair to the 22-year-old, there’s no telling if it was Ziyech’s absence or his introduction that caused the Blues to become unstable all over the pitch. Regardless, Pulisic simply has to have more of an influence going forward if he wants to get regular minutes. Flawless penalty though.

Jorginho (Central midfielder): 8/10

The now three-time European Champion came on in the second half with one task: steady the ship. He went on to do just that. Chelsea may not have scored a winner during his time on the field, but the Blues didn’t lose the match either. Chelsea couldn’t hold onto the ball for a majority of the second half, making careless passes and getting caught in possession left and right. Jorginho fixed all of these problems and even got the opportunity to make Sergio Asenjo look silly in the penalty shootout.

Mason Mount (Left winger): 7.5/10

One could definitely tell it was Mason Mount’s first game back from break. Not because he was bad but because he wasn’t himself. Mount had a few touches that were simply too heavy and some passes didn’t end up exactly where he intended. He was still a solid substitute made by Tuchel who improved the team from the moment he came on. Mount made the most of his chance by sinking his penalty en route to the victory.

Andreas Christensen (Centerback): 6.5/10

Andreas Christensen didn’t offer much that Zouma didn’t to be quite honest. He earns a decent rating in his first game back into the fray—nothing to write home about though.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Right wingback): 7/10

Cesar Azpilicueta wasn’t exactly the most inspiring right wingback substitute, just the most match ready amongst the bunch. Chalobah was playing too well at right centerback, so Tuchel opted to take Hudson-Odoi off instead, in favor of the Spaniard. Azpilicueta performed his duties well, he just slowed the Blues’ attack down a bit. Much like those mentioned above, his penalty was also perfect in every way, shape and form. He’s a Club World Cup away from having won it all.

Kepa Arrizabalaga (Goalkeeper): 10/10

Tuchel’s decision to sub on Arrizabalaga shortly before the penalty shootout was puzzling to those who clearly do not remember the 2019 Europa League semifinal second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt. Arrizabalaga is a larger than life figure during spot kicks and he proved that once again on Wednesday. The Spanish goalkeeper kept the Blues in it after Havertz missed the opener and made two excellent saves to complete Chelsea’s come from behind win in penalties. The Man of the Match award goes to Arrizabalaga for his heroic effort between the sticks on the world’s largest stage. I said I would give him a perfect score if he helped the Blues win the Super Cup; Arrizabalaga delivered and I’m a man of my word.

Thomas Tuchel (Manager): 10/10

Tuchel probably couldn’t have managed this match any better as he can only do so much to impact the play on the pitch. The German made the right substitutions at the right times and picked the correct starting XI. He gets his second European trophy with Chelsea, it’s sure to be one of many pieces of silverware he’ll rack up during his time in west London.

What would you rate each player from the match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!