Chelsea Player Ratings: Enzo Fernandez Shines vs Noah Okafor
Chelsea secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Red Bull Salzburg in their pre-season friendly, and it was a performance that showcased the burgeoning talent within the Blues' ranks. The star of the show was undoubtedly Enzo Fernandez, who continued to impress with his composure and playmaking ability. Here's a look at the individual player ratings from the match:
Enzo Fernandez (9/10): The Argentine midfielder was a constant threat, dictating the tempo of the game and spraying passes with pinpoint accuracy. His vision and range of passing were on full display, and his ability to pick out key passes in the final third was crucial to Chelsea's success. He capped off a stellar performance with a well-taken goal, showcasing his finishing ability.
Nicolas Jackson (8/10): The Senegalese striker looked lively throughout the match, showcasing his pace and power in the final third. He linked up well with his teammates, providing a constant threat to the Salzburg defense. While he didn't find the back of the net, his impact was undeniable.
Mykhailo Mudryk (7/10): The Ukrainian winger was a constant thorn in the side of the Salzburg defense, using his blistering pace and trickery to create chances. He was unlucky not to score himself, but his relentless efforts in the final third were crucial to Chelsea's victory.
Carney Chukwuemeka (7/10): The young midfielder impressed with his energy and enthusiasm. He covered a lot of ground and provided a crucial outlet in midfield. His ability to drive forward with the ball and create chances was key to Chelsea's attacking play.
Levi Colwill (7/10): The young defender continued to impress with his composure and solidity at the back. He was a rock in the center of the defense, thwarting Salzburg's attacking threats with ease. His performance further cemented his place as a potential star for the future.
Malo Gusto (6/10): The French right-back showed glimpses of his potential with his overlapping runs and incisive passes. However, he struggled to make a significant impact on the game and was often caught out of position.
Ben Chilwell (6/10): The English left-back provided a steady presence on the flank, but he lacked the attacking spark he displayed in previous seasons. He did, however, play a key role in Chelsea's first goal, delivering a precise cross to the back post.
Wesley Fofana (6/10): The French defender showed glimpses of his strength and physicality in defense. He was solid in his aerial duels and provided crucial cover for the backline.
Conor Gallagher (6/10): The English midfielder was industrious and energetic, covering a lot of ground in the middle of the park. He was involved in the build-up to Chelsea's second goal, but his passing accuracy was inconsistent.
Others: The likes of Angelo Gabriel, Ian Maatsen, Andrey Santos, and Jamie Cumming all made contributions off the bench, showcasing the depth of talent within the Chelsea squad.
Overall: The victory against Red Bull Salzburg was a positive sign for Chelsea, who are looking to build momentum under Mauricio Pochettino. Enzo Fernandez was the standout performer, but the emergence of other young talents like Jackson, Mudryk, and Chukwuemeka was equally encouraging. The Blues will be looking to carry this momentum into their upcoming games as they prepare for the new season.