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Chelsea 2022/23 season player ratings: Defence

By Clovis Pereira

Chelsea's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva (L) celebrates with Chelsea's Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga at the end of the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on May 6, 2023. (Photo by Ian Kington / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva (L) celebrates with Chelsea's Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga at the end of the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on May 6, 2023. (Photo by Ian Kington / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Trevoh Chalobah (No.14): 6/10

Chalobah had the opportunity to make a move away from the Bridge where he’d be guaranteed regular football, but the young Englishman was determined to stay at his boyhood club and fight for minutes. Although he did struggle mid season when he was presented with the chance to step in, the climax of the season saw a better version of Chalobah where his versatility came to Frank Lampard’s rescue.

Wesley Fofana (No.33): 7.5/10

Some would argue that the Frenchman was out injured for the majority of the season and doesn’t warrant that rating. However what we saw from him immediately after his return from a long term injury cannot be rated highly enough. Fofana stepped into this hapless Chelsea side and displayed sheer indefatigability. Although the season did not end exactly how he would’ve liked it to, the supporters will be blessed to watch this absolute gem give his all for the club in the near future.

Thiago Silva (No.6): 9.5/10

The 38 year old yet again surpassed all expectations and what at his very best at every stage of the season. No matter who he was paired with, the veteran never seemed to faulter. He watched his colleagues pick injuries, struggle to settle in and pick up form. But none of it got the better of him and the Chelsea fans could not be grateful enough for having a legend like him at the club at times like these.

The climax of the season saw Thiago Silva getting the love and respect he deserves with the fans bringing out banners at the Bridge. He also went on to win Chelsea’s player of the season.

Kalidou Koulibaly (No.26): 6.5/10

Koulibaly signed for Chelsea and the fans couldn’t help but expect him to replicate what Thiago Silva has done at the Bridge. He enjoyed the perfect start to the season, putting on top displays. However there was a dip in form and it stayed for a while. This forced Graham Potter to field Marc Cucurella in his role. A couple of months into 2023, Silva picked up an injury and that is when we got to watch glimpses of the player we signed from Napoli.

Benoit Badiashile (No.4): 7/10

When the young Frenchman joined the Blues in January, the supporters didn’t know what to exactly expect from him as his play time and role in the squad was uncertain. However the 6’4″ centre back when eventually given a chance, grabbed the opportunity with both hands and made a name for himself.

He became a first team regular but the UCL exclusion made it difficult for the managers to have him on the field regularly as they were forced to experiment with the other options in that role. His campaign was then cut short after he picked up an injury which will keep him out until the start of next season.

Bashir Humphreys (No.42): N/A

The 20 year old got his chance in a cup tie, however it was limited to that one appearance only as he was loaned out to 2. Bundesliga club Paderborn 07.

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