How Chelsea players fared in the World Cup Round of 16

Kalidou Koulibaly (Centerback) Senegal

Koulibaly also had a bad game, but also not because he particularly dropped a stinker. He was part of a backline that performed very poorly in marking opponents in their box, and as team captain, deserves blame. Some have tried to blame him for England’s second goal, and wrongly so. The fact that Senegal was left in a 2-v-1 situation from the halfway line with Koulibaly desperately backpedaling indicates that the defensive structure of the team had collapsed and Koulibaly was the only one in position. There was literally nothing else he could’ve done to prevent it.

Thiago Silva (Centerback) Brazil

Silva was sublime against South Korea. His highlight was providing the perfect through pass to Richarlison from the top of the South Korea penalty area. The CFC veteran was so far forward that he was operating in Zone 14 in that moment pretty much. He completed 6/9 long balls.

Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder) Croatia

The Chelsea midfielder was very good against Japan. He helped keep control of the midfield with his work rate and passing. He was very good defensively too. He was subbed off in extra time, probably to preserve him in case he was needed for the next round, and probably because Croatia needed fresh legs on the pitch.