Chelsea 2022/23 season player ratings: Defence

Generally, the footballing community is quite depressed when the season comes to an end as it means no club football for a while. However the Chels’ faithful seem to be rather relieved and would’ve wanted to put an end to their disastrous season much earlier. Chelsea were knocked out by the team of the season – Manchester City in the early stages of the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup too. The UCL run was the only positive until the defending champions of the competition travelled to Stamford Bridge and destroyed all hopes in a 4-0 beating over two legs.

And above all, the Premier League. The Blues finished 12th with only 44 points in their 38 games played. This is the first time that Chelsea have failed to secure 50 points or more in the entire history of the competition.

The west London outfit managed to keep 13 clean sheets over all competitions, conceding 62 goals in 50 games. And now is the time to analyze how our back line has fared and assess each player individually.

Chelsea 2022-23 season player ratings – Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga (No.1): 8/10

Although there is speculation around this role, with Chelsea looking to potentially upgrade in this department. And some might argue that it is because Arrizabalaga isn’t good enough, his contribution to this struggling side this season cannot be undermined by any means. When the 22/23 campaign begun, the Spaniard was only expected to serve as deputy to CFC’s first choice keeper Edouard Mendy.

However after the Senegalese International picked up an early injury, Arrizabalaga made the most out of the situation and didn’t let the Chels’ faithful feel the absence of his predecessor. He was also handed additional responsibility with the captain’s armband in the absence of team leaders.

One can barely dispute the fact that Arrizabalaga was one of the top three players at the club this season and will be respected for his enormous contribution, irrespective of what his future holds.

Edouard Mendy (No.16): 4/10

Edouard Mendy will be as disappointed with how things unfolded in the course of this season. Injuries got the better of him. And although the Gaffer presented a chance at the end of the season, lack of match sharpness led to him making silly errors which eventually kept him out for the remainder of the season. And if at all the Blues manage to bring in a new keeper, Mendy will be forced to consider his options.

Marcus Bettinelli (No.13): N/A

Marcus Bettinelli, CFC’s third choice keeper didn’t get minutes with the first team but his contribution behind the scenes was rewarded with a fresh deal which keeps him at the club until 2026.

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.

Reece James (No.24): 5/10

As much as we hate to admit it, James has had his worst season so far. Injuries took away his World Cup dream and then after he got back on the pitch, he always looked to play with a very cautious approach. Even after all those precautions, his knee disappointed him again keeping him out for the remainder of the season.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No.28): 5/10

Our skipper hasn’t been the same player he used to be. With James out injured, Azpilicueta could’ve had regular minutes but he simply wasn’t good enough and then the injuries in the latter stage of the season worsened the situation all the more. The signing of Malo Gusto will make life at club all the more challenging for the Spaniard which is why he might consider switching clubs this summer.

Marc Cucurella: (No.32): 4.5/10

Cucurella’s debut season has been a complete nightmare. In spite of Ben Chilwell’s injury concerns, the Spaniard failed to make a name for himself and cement his name in Chelsea’s long term project. Even after Chilwell’s return from injury, Badiashile’s UCL exclusion gave Cucurella regular minutes but his lack of awareness and poor positioning cost the side on more than one occasion.

Ben Chilwell (No.21): 5.5/10

Ben Chilwell got unlucky with injuries this season too. He looked bright on his return instantly upgrading that left flank. However injuries got to him again and didn’t let him help his side.

Lewis Hall (No.67): 6.5/10

This kid has been nothing but a blessing. He was used extensively at the start of the season in varied roles. To everyone’s surprise, the 18 year old looked comfortable and always proved to be a huge asset when required. He also withdrew his name from the ongoing U20 World Cup to help Lampard’s Blues who had left back duo out injured and put on decent displays.

What changes would you make in this backline before the start of next season?