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Chelsea 2021/22 player ratings (part two): Midfielders

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Jorginho of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on December 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Jorginho of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on December 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 22: Ross Barkley of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their sides second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Watford at Stamford Bridge on May 22, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 22: Ross Barkley of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their sides second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Watford at Stamford Bridge on May 22, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

In part two of this series, we will be evaluating the midfielders that Chelsea deployed last season. It should be mentioned again that wingbacks are evaluated as midfielders due to their starting and average positions on the pitch. Almost everyone agrees that the defenders generally played well last season, but how did the midfielders perform overall? We’ll start with a few of the reserves…

Ross Barkley (Central/attacking midfielder): N/A

Ross Barkley got just two league games last season. He was very good in both games though, incredible, in fact. Barkley’s shot creation was top notch and the Englishman even managed to score the Blues’ final goal of the year; a last minute winner against Watford.

Kenedy (Left wingback): N/A

Kenedy played just one game for Chelsea last season, but he was superb in that game. He was brought in to back-up to Marcos Alonso following Ben Chilwell’s season-ending surgery, but he never got a look after he returned. The Brazilian assisted Kai Havertz against Watford on matchday 38 in what turned out to be a solid performance before being taken off.

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

A standout of Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s performances last season were his ball carrying and dribbling. This came in handy for the Blues in games where they needed to break the lines and force the play. He ranked in the 99th percentile for progressive carries per 90 and dribbles completed per 90 amongst midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues. Loftus-Cheek was very good for Chelsea in attacking transitions, driving the ball forward and creating chances. Most importantly Loftus-Cheek provided depth, making 40 appearances totaling 2,160 minutes in all. Loftus-Cheek often held on to the ball too long, frustrating teammates, coaches and fans alike.

Saul Niguez (Central midfielder): 5/10

There’s not much to be said on Saul. He was really poor in his first two Premier League starts and he had to be taken of at halftime—both times. Saul’s performances eventually stabilized, especially in the cup games. He never quite played his way into regular selection, partly because he took long to adjust and partly because he had fierce competition in that role. The Blues made a poor transfer decision with Saul, especially considering the wages they paid him.

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