Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Right wingback): 8/10
Ruben Loftus-Cheek at right wingback? That definitely raised lots of eyebrows when Thomas Tuchel named his starting XI, but the Chelsea academy graduate showed his versatility as he dominated the right flank. Loftus-Cheek provided the cross that led to the opening goal and he linked up well with fellow academy graduate Mason Mount throughout. He should have gotten an assist to his name as the cross he provided to Werner was sumptuous. Loftus-Cheek has been putting in consistent performances for most of the campaign, so is a start against Real Madrid on the cards for the England international?
N’Golo Kante (Central midfielder): 8/10
N’Golo Kante was brought off to begin the second half against Real Madrid after an abysmal display in the first 45 minutes. Suffice it to say, he was way better against Southampton. The midfielder was a constant energetic presence, helping Chelsea ensure its victory. In the second half, the France international almost got on the score sheet with a driving run forward and an attempted dink over Forster. It was a goal that would have definitely been a contender for Chelsea’s Goal of the Month, but it was saved by the keeper and the rebound was slotted home just a few seconds later by Werner.
Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder): 7/10
Mateo Kovacic was picked ahead of Jorginho for this tie and he should have definitely started ahead of him last on Wednesday against Los Blancos too. Kovacic wasn’t quite at his best, as he occasionally held on to the ball longer than he occasionally should have, but he was still decent. Apart from that, the Croatian international broke up several Southampton attacks with his excellent game-reading ability. A place for him against Real Madrid is definitely on the cards.
Marcos Alonso (Left wingback): 8/10
Cesar Azpilicueta tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the match, so it was time for his Spanish compatriot to resume his role as left wingback. There was no other option with Ben Chilwell out for the rest of the season, but Marcos Alonso’s return left little to be desired. The Spaniard justified his start in the space of 10 minutes after being played through on goal by Mount. Alonso generally did not have much to do defensively, so he was a major threat going forward. He almost grabbed a second with a shot that went wide later on in the match. One would assume Alonso gets the starting nod at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Tuchel will have a few days to decide for sure.