Chelsea 1-1 Dortmund player ratings: Blues tie Dortmund in 4-2-3-1

Chelsea has played their last preseason game and many can agree that it has been a good preseason. The attacking has looked sharp, though the defending and game control were shaky at times. Against Dortmund, Mauricio Pochettino lined up what many would assume to be the lineup for the first game of the season, injuries considered. Here is how the Pride of London thinks the players performed individually.

Chelsea player ratings vs Dortmund

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Goalkeeper: 7

Arrizabalaga was very good, coming out to sweep and distribute impeccably. Chelsea is linked to Brighton’s Robert Sanchez, a link that’s baffling to many, as the Blues’ No. 1 is the better keeper and had a much better 22/23 season than Sanchez. According to Sofascore, Arrizabalaga in fact averaged a 73% save rate last season, compared to the 62% of Sanchez. He also averaged a 42% long-ball accuracy, compared to 32% of Sanchez. The only way the links make sense is if Sanchez is being brought in to be the backup.

Reece James, Right back: 7.5

James had a hard time against Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi, but he handled it relatively well. His ball-winning, ball retention, and distribution were superb.

Thiago Silva, Centerback: 8

Silva was Chelsea’s best player by some distance, making 10 defensive actions and not getting dribbled past. His distribution was equally fantastic, even creating the best chance of the game by sending a 70-yard long ball over the Dortmund defense to Nicolas Jackson, who unfortunately missed.