Chelsea player ratings at Zenit: Defeating draw in St. Petersburg

Callum Hudson-Odoi (Right wingback): 6/10

Callum Hudson-Odoi—playing as a right wingback—had an anonymous game. The youngster was barely involved in any of the play throughout his time on the pitch. He did get himself booked in the first half, which prompted the manager to replace him with Christian Pulisic in the 64′.

Reece James (Central midfielder): 6/10

Normally a right-sided defender, Reece James played as a central midfielder in Russia due to the lack of options in the area given the Blues’ injuries. It was certainly a different sight to see James playing in midfield, but it was far from unfamiliar as he took advantage of his physicality to play better. However, it was clear as day that the English fullback was not overly familiar with the position and he even felt like a passenger at times.

Ross Barkley (Central midfielder): 6.5/10

Ross Barkley had the best of starts to the game as he delivered the pinpoint corner to give Chelsea the lead through Werner, but that was as good as it got for the English midfielder. After the opening 10 minutes of the game, Barkley was anonymous until he gave away possession, which started the build-up to Zenit’s second goal. In the second half, Barkley had a bit more of the ball and played a good one-two with Werner to set up Chelsea’s equalizer. He was replaced by  Hakim Ziyech in the 64′.

Saul Niguez (Left wingback): 7.5/10

With an injury-ravaged team, Saul Niguez played as a left wingback and actually played well. At the start of the first half, the Spaniard came close to scoring but his heavy touch denied him. Throughout the game, Saul was good defensively whenever called upon and if he improves his crossing ability then he can expect some more chances in the near future. Saul was replaced by Marcos Alonso in the 74′.

Christian Pulisic (Right wingback): 7/10

Pulisic came on for Hudson-Odoi in the 64′ and failed to have much of an impact on the game until he assisted Werner’s second goal.

Hakim Ziyech (Central midfielder): 6/10

Ziyech came on for Barkley in the 64′. He didn’t have much of an impact on the game, but he kept the tempo smooth and linked up play well.

Marcos Alonso (Left wingback): 6/10

Alonso replaced Saul in the 75′ as Thomas Tuchel tried to bring on a more experienced player in the left wingback position. The Spaniard did well the hold the lead until Zenit’s late equalizer.