:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48462437/GettyImages-502713920.0.jpg)
| 1. THIBAUT COURTOIS - GK | 7.9 |
|
Minutes played90
Touches36
Distribution10/29
Saves2
There was only ever going to be one winner for Man of the Match in this game, and that's, unsurprisingly, the Chelsea goalkeeper (and his best friend, the woodwork). Courtois notched his second clean sheet of the season, and just his first in the Premier League and still he had to perform a minor miracle to keep out Ander Herrera's point blank shot.
For all the dire football seen in these 90 minutes, it did display two of the finest goalkeepers of their generation at their very best. David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois, united by a common thread at Atlético Madrid, now dueling it out on the biggest stage in club football. Something to look forward in future seasons as both clubs try to rediscover their proper place in the power structure.
|
|
| 2. KURT ZOUMA - DC | 7.1 |
|
Minutes played90
Touches30
Passes17/22
Clearances2/2
Tackles2
Blocks+INTs2
Zouma's tackle on Anthony Martial was worth the price of admission in and of itself. It showcased Zouma's two very best abilities: ridiculous closing speed and strong, no holds barred (and usually very well-timed) tackling. He has plenty of room to improve as one would expect from a 21-year-old, but the future is certainly bright.
In a situation not unlike what Romelu Lukaku was facing a couple years ago, if Zouma can develop and merry less obvious qualities like positioning, anticipation, and communication with the obvious physical and technical ones, we've got a major gem on our hands for many, many years.
|
|
| 3. JOHN TERRY - DC | 6.9 |
|
Minutes played90
Touches27
Passes12/14
Clearances6/6
Tackles2
Blocks+INTs4
A very strong game from the Chelsea captain, perhaps his best all season. His (and Azpilicueta's) nice ratings are also helped by the fact that they do not spell their names B-R-A-N-I-S-L-A-V I-V-A-N-O-V-I-C, who continues to kick babies and eat puppies. Or is it kick puppies and eat babies? I always mix this up.
JT's play is improving just as it becomes prime time to sit down and start talking about the latest one-year contract extension. Do it.
|
|
STARTERS:
Courtois (7.9), Azpilicueta (6.5), Terry (6.9), Zouma (7.0), Ivanović (4.9), Matić (4.7), Mikel (5.4), Pedro (5.9), Oscar (4.6), Willian (5.3), Hazard (5.9)
SUBS:
Ramires (5.4), Loftus-Cheek (6.3)
OVERALL:
