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Chelsea 2021/22 player ratings (part three): Forwards

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - 2021/12/08: Timo Werner (R), and Callum Hudson-Odoi (L) of Chelsea celebrating during the UEFA Champions League, football match between Zenit and Chelsea at Gazprom Arena.(Final score; Zenit 3:3 Chelsea). (Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - 2021/12/08: Timo Werner (R), and Callum Hudson-Odoi (L) of Chelsea celebrating during the UEFA Champions League, football match between Zenit and Chelsea at Gazprom Arena.(Final score; Zenit 3:3 Chelsea). (Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Mason Mount of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side’s sixth goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary’s Stadium on April 09, 2022 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Mason Mount of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side’s sixth goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary’s Stadium on April 09, 2022 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Chelsea fans almost unanimously agree all of the current forwards should be done away with, except for maybe one or two. They’re not completely unjustified, as the output of the Blues’ attackers has seemed poor throughout the last few seasons. It is understandable to look at Chelsea’s rivals and be unsatisfied with the Blues’ forwards, especially those on top of and directly below (Spurs) them in the table. Chelsea fans should consider that their side’s forwards did account for the majority of their goal creation and goalscoring though. Now, it’s their turn to face the music in part three of this series.

Here’s how the attackers performed throughout the 2021/22 campaign:

Mason Mount (Right winger): 8/10

Mason Mount was very good for the Blues last season. Out of more than 16 metrics examined for Chelsea’s forwards—10 of them being major categories—Mount led the attackers in eight out of 10 of those categories in terms of total volume in the Premier League. Mount scored the most goals and he had the most assists of all Chelsea’s players in the English top flight. He also created the most clear cut-chances and made the most shot- and goal-creating actions of all forwards too. Mount also created the most chances, as well as the most chances per 90 for the Blues.

He was very good in the FA Cup, but not nearly as good in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup, especially after missing three big chances in the Carabao Cup final. Mount ranked second amongst his fellow forwards in possession won in the final third (16) in the Premier League for Chelsea. His work rate and ball progression were crucial to the Blues’ play all season. It must also be mentioned that Mount took home Chelsea’s Player of the Season award for the second consecutive year.

Hakim Ziyech (Right winger): 8.5/10

Hakim Ziyech had a rather superb season all things considered. First of all, he started the year by scoring Chelsea’s only goal in the UEFA Super Cup before getting injured in the 40′. Ziyech returned from injury and had to fight his way back into the line-up again. The general consensus amongst fans right now is that the Moroccan should be kept at the club, and they’re not making outrageous claims either. Ziyech ranked second in chances created and chances created per 90 amongst Chelsea attackers. He also ranks close second for most big chances created (nine). He leads the pack in big chances created per 90, possession won in the final third per game (0.7) and total possession won in the final third in the Premier League.

Ziyech’s influence did not stop there. He also led the pack in total possession won in the final third in all competitions (33). Ziyech beats out all other Blues forwards in dribbles (28) and dribbles per 90 (1.9). He led Chelsea in shots per 90 too and finished second in shot-creating actions and goal-creating actions. Ziyech was also superb in the cups, creating the most big chances for his side in the Super Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League. I’m sorry, why are the Blues selling Ziyech?

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