Chelsea 2-1 Lille player ratings: Pulisic goal sends the Blues through
Cesar Azpilicueta (Right wingback): 7.5/10
Cesar Azpilicueta played an important role in helping break the press on Chelsea’s right flank. His decision-making in the final third was not impeccable, despite getting the chance to carry the ball into that area fairly often. His runs down the right flank eventually got him the Blues’ second goal. He was able to get his knee on Mason Mount’s cross, which was enough to fire it into the back of the reigning French champions’ net.
N’Golo Kante (Central midfielder): 6/10
N’Golo Kante was not good in the game against Lille. He lost the ball many times, he lost nearly every duel he contested and he committed too many fouls for someone who did not win any tackles. Kante was dribbled past twice in the first half, made no tackles and lost 12 out of 13 contested ground duels. He also committed seven fouls, more than any other player. Seven fouls is also an extremely poor tally, especially with zero successful tackles.
Jorginho (Defensive midfielder): 7/10
Jorginho was the best of the midfield three (although that’s a fairly low bar) against Lille. His distribution was very good, he made the most defensive actions of any Chelsea player and he showed good vision to find Christian Pulisic for the Blues’ first goal. Jorginho made as many as four tackles. He also made an error leading to a look on goal that perhaps was more on Silva than him. He then gave away the penalty for Lile’s goal. Mixed bag from the Italian.
Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder): 6/10
Mateo Kovacic looked electric for large parts of the first half, and it was somewhat surprising to see him come off at halftime. He certainly seemed a bit redundant and when you consider that Chelsea has another game this weekend, Tuchel might have decided he didn’t need Kovacic to see off Lille. The Croatian has been one of the Blues’ most important players this season.
Marcos Alonso (Left wingback): 6/10
Marcos Alonso was OK. He was defensively alert and technically efficient. The Spaniard did well to stretch the pitch, often giving Chelsea a passing option there. Alonso often makes himself a target for a switch of play though. He attempted many superb crosses that missed the target by a hair’s breadth.