Chelsea finished up its preseason on Friday night with a relatively calm victory over Italian side Udinese, ending with a final score of 3-1. The Premier League season begins for the Blues next Saturday against Everton, so it was important they snagged a win in their final preseason contest, and that’s exactly what they did. Additionally, it was important for the players who featured to play well in order to get their names on the teamsheet next weekend. All of that being said, which players boosted their chances the most on Friday from Udine?
Winner: The Raheem Sterling-Mason Mount partnership
Raheem Sterling showed exactly why Chelsea made the correct decision in bringing him in this summer, putting in an excellent shift and finishing the game with what would turn out to be the winning goal. The Englishman opened his account with his new club with a sloppy, yet deserved, goal to cap off a wonderful performance. Beyond the goal, Sterling was popping up in great spots all over the field that showcased some of his immense ball-progressing abilities, something Chelsea has sorely missed from a winger since Willian’s departure. Suffice it to say, the Premier League veteran has silenced his doubters already after just a couple of preseason appearances.
The best part of the night, however, came from the chemistry Sterling and Mason Mount displayed. The two of them were causing the Udinese midfield and defense tons of problems with their movement. Overall, it looked like the duo had an innate understanding of where the other one would be throughout the night. This bodes extremely well for the Blues, who desperately need to find a go-to forward line that they can turn to in must-win games. It would not at all be surprising to see the two of them start in the same spots next weekend.