PLAYER RATINGS FROM CHELSEA'S UEFA SUPER CUP WIN

 OUTCAST SPANIARD STARS IN CHELSEA'S SUPER CUP WIN

PLAYER RATINGS FROM CHELSEA VS. VILLAREAL

-Vivaan Jain

Editor: Mitansh Kagalwala

Chelsea started their 2021/22 season with a bang, winning the UEFA Super Cup against the Europa League champions Villareal. The Champions League winners were by far the superior side in the first half and were rewarded by a goal in the 27^th minute. A first half-goal scored for Hakim Ziyech was just reward for the brilliant form he’s shown in pre-season, netting Kai Havertz’ low cross in the 27^th minute. Villareal hit the frame of the goal twice before finally breaking Chelsea’s defensive line following brilliant link-up play between Moreno and Dias, who latched onto Moreno’s backheel pass to score for the Yellow Submarine. The game ended 1-1 after a goalless extra time, and Chelsea triumphed on penalties 6-5. The game was decided in the 118^th minute, when Chelsea outcast Kepa was brought on for starter Mendy, a calculated move based on previous data, who ended up winning Chelsea the game in sudden death with a crucial save.

Photo via: firstpost

 Player Ratings 

E. Mendy(Gk) (8/10)

Made a crucial save against Boulaye Dia  in the first half not long after Chelsea had taken the lead. His distribution of the ball could have been more accurate. His wonky distribution gave Moreno a chance to score but he made amends with a brilliant fingertip save to stop Gerard Moreno from scoring.

Kepa(10/10)

Though Kepa was substituted only for penalties, he was the hero of the night. He made two saves to deny Aïssa Mandi and then kept out Raúl Albiol's spot kick after Rudiger had converted just before to hand Chelsea the win in a dramatic 6-5 shootout win.

 

T. Chalobah (7.5/10)

The young Chelsea academy graduate was rewarded for his fine pre-season form with a start in the Super Cup. He was provided defensive stability and made daring runs into the opposition half. With a 95% passing accuracy, he created several chances and made 5 vital interceptions.

K. Zouma (6/10)

It was a decent performance by the centre-half. At times, he lost awareness and occupied positions giving the forward line of Villareal an advantage in terms of possession and space. Though his passing accuracy was an impressive 100%, an improvement in positioning during corners, free kicks could’ve been better.

Toni Rudiger (7/10)

Rudiger was unafraid of making daring runs from the defensive line into the opposition half. His tackle just outside the box on Yeremi Pino might be controversial but he was given a yellow card for that challenge by the referee. It was a sloppy passage of play from Rudiger which led to the goal scored by Villareal. He decided to play the ball from the back which was intercepted by Villareal’s forward line and Moreno struck home. Apart from this mistake, he carried out his defensive duties perfectly.

Hudson-Odoi (5/10)

After a great start to the match, his influence waned into anonymity as the match progressed. In the first 20-25 minutes, he successfully provided width in the attack and got himself into some advantageous positions in the final third and the wings to deliver the ball for our forwards. However, zero attempted dribbles and decent link up play with Ziyech is something the Chelsea fans aren’t accustomed to see from this young wonderful talent. His play was affected when Ziyech came off after his shoulder injury and he too was replaced by club captain Cezar Azpilicueta.

Ngolo Kante(Captain) –(9/10)

Our captain of the night, NG Kante delivered yet another impeccable performance. His work-rate , interceptions and tackles were amazing as usual. He stole the ball from Moreno in midfield and made an effort from 25 yards which was fired just wide in the tenth minute(another typical NG Kante moment).  His ability to cut out passes, close down players and shield our defensive line was a vital factor which kept Villareal from scoring.

Kovacic (7.5/10)

Though a bit sloppy in possession, he bossed the midfield along with N golo in the first half. Making key passes and a plethora of long-crosses with unerring accuracy, his passing abilities were on spot. He glided past the Villareal midfield with ease in the first half. His performance in the second half was lacklustre as he lost possession and made shabby passes. However, he showed more character in extra time and made amends for his mistakes in the second-half.

M Alonso(9/10)

A real menace when going forward, Marcos Alonso looked sharp in the attack and was using the entire width of the pitch. Though he was mediocre in the defence , his awareness and early crosses into the d-box were crucial for creating more chances and increasing our shots on target. A brilliant pass down the line for Havertz to get an assist for the goal scored by Ziyech. He was one our best players in terms of going forward and creating chances.

Hakim Ziyech (9/10)

The Moroccan had a brilliant game before he was forced off the pitch due to a shoulder injury. He kept up his fine pre-season form as he netted home the ball from close range to score the first goal of the fixture. Pinpoint accuracy – crosses, corners and the free-kicks taken by him were neither too heavy nor too light. His creativity in the right-hand side of the pitch was essential in exploiting the pockets of spaces behind Villareal’s defence line.

Kai Havertz (7.5/10)

Our champions league winner displayed a fine performance in the match. Intelligently finding channels of spaces behind the full-backs of Villareal, he played a major role in our goal. His assist for the goal is a testimony to a perfect blend of his composure, vision and pace. Making runs behind the defenders and on the wing, he helped in progressing forward and creating more opportunities. His energy was stretched to the limit as he was completely exhausted by the end of 120 minutes.

Timo Werner(6/10)

Although he managed to make 17 touches in the 64 minutes he was on the pitch, he caused panic in the backline of the Villareal leading to the goal. His effort on target from a corner taken by Ziyech was denied by a quick reflex save by the Villareal keeper. A lot of ineffective running which only tired him out and was unnecessary. Timo Werner needs to improve his performance if he wants to stay in the first team.