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Chelsea 2-0 Lille player ratings: Thiago Silva proves age is but a number

By Joseph Joe

Chelsea's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva (L) fights for the ball with Lille's Kosovar defender Edon Zhegrova during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Chelsea and Lille (LOSC) at Stamford Bridge stadium, in London, on February 22, 2022. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / IKIMAGES / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva (L) fights for the ball with Lille's Kosovar defender Edon Zhegrova during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Chelsea and Lille (LOSC) at Stamford Bridge stadium, in London, on February 22, 2022. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / IKIMAGES / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: N’Golo Kante of Chelsea FC and Xeka of Lille OSC in action during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Lille OSC at Stamford Bridge on February 22, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: N’Golo Kante of Chelsea FC and Xeka of Lille OSC in action during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Lille OSC at Stamford Bridge on February 22, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Cesar Azpilicueta (Right wingback): 7/10

Mr. Reliable may not be as energetic and fluid as his defensive partner Reece James, but he definitely helps the team out when called upon. This was evident in the initial three minutes when he created a good chance for Kai Havertz, which the German unfortunately couldn’t put away. Cesar Azpilicueta was a constant outlet for the Blues and showed us why Barcelona are still doing everything in its power to bring the Spanish defender to Camp Nou, even given his age.

N’Golo Kante (Central midfielder): 9/10

Ever heard the saying “80 percent of the Earth is covered by water and the rest, N’Golo Kante”? Well, Tuesday showed why the saying is so widely known. Kante was a constant outlet in the game. His passing—long and short range—and drive forward were nothing but excellent. He provided the assist for Christian Pulisic in the second half and crowned it off with yet another Man of the Match award in a Champions League knockout stage match. Simply saying that Kante is extremely brilliant is not really enough to describe the Frenchman.

Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder): 6/10

After an injury scare in the opening 10 minutes, Mateo Kovacic continued on in the game. Although the Croatian lacked his usual energy and drive, he contributed little to the team and only made one appearance in the Lille defensive third. He was eventually subbed of in the 50′ for Ruben Loftus-Cheek with an injury, one the Blues simply cannot afford to happen right now.

Marcos Alonso (Left wingback): 6/10

The Spaniard struggled in the opening period of the match. Marcos Alonso was constantly caught out of position by passes over his head and that definitely left a negative mark on his game. He was a little better in the second half and a bit reserved going forward. Seeing him in the starting XI for Chelsea’s next game would sure be a surprise after his display against Lille.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Central midfielder): 7/10

Loftus-Cheek played at the base of the midfield with Kante after coming on for an injured Kovacic. The Englishman showed some brilliant flashes of the dribbling abilities he is known for during his extended substitute appearance.

Saul (Central midfielder): 6/10

Saul was brought on in the 58′. Overall, he didn’t have much to do, although he was given the nod to go forward seeing as he replaced Hakim Ziyech. The Spaniard helped Chelsea see out the game.

Malang Sarr (Left wingback): N/A

Malang Sarr was brought on in the 80′ to help the Blues see out the game with a clean sheet.

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