Chelsea player ratings versus Zenit: Job done despite misfires

Reece James (Right Wingback): 8/10

Another player that continues to develop the game after game is Reece James. The England international seemed a bit careless in the start but definitely secured the defense from the right-hand side as the game progressed. With the passing accuracy of 90%, Reece James made the joint-most key passes (three) and intercepted the opponent players twice. Reece James was one of the main providers to Romelu Lukaku too with four crosses in the box.

Jorginho (Central Midfielder): 8/10

Jorginho was presented with the UEFA Player of the Year trophy before the game in front of a packed Stamford Bridge stadium and he showed why he deserved that award. You would barely see the Italian midfielder very high in the opponent’s half but the way he controlled the tempo of the game and spread the ball from one side to the other was impressive. All of this can be seen by the fact that Jorginho was the player who played the most passes (123).

Mateo Kovacic (Central Midfielder): 8.5/10

By far the best midfielder in this game was Chelsea’s, Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian international was everywhere on the pitch and was the main man in the midfield which troubled the opponent. Mateo Kovacic completed the most dribbles in the game (four), played the most accurate long balls (seven), and completed the game with 97% pass accuracy. Another impressive night from Mateo Kovacic.

Marcus Alonso (Left Wingback): 8/10

Marcus Alonso continued his top form against Zenit St. Petersburg by being a continuous menace down the left-hand side. The Spanish defender was very precise with his passing, with 93% pass accuracy. Marcus Alonso was always very aware of his surrounding players, did not concede unnecessary fouls, and came very close to scoring towards the end of the match.