1. MATEO KOVAČIĆ (7.9)

Minutes: 90
Touches: 86
Passes: 55/57
Shots: 2*/4
Take-ons: 5/6
Fouls drawn: 2
Tackles+Blocks: 2+3

The date was January 29, 2017. Two years and almost exactly ten months. A game against Real Sociedad. Kovačić just needed a bit of Spanish air to rediscover his scoring touch. And then he almost got a second in nearly as many minutes, but he put his first-time curling effort at save-able height/place, unlike his shot just a few moments prior. So maybe don’t get too used Mateo scoring. It’s a good thing he does so many other things so well!

2. CHRISTIAN PULISIC (7.4)

Minutes: 90
Touches: 52
Passes: 30/36
Shots: 1*/3
Take-ons: 3/5
Fouls drawn: 1
Tackles: 1

Speaking of scoring, Pulisic was back on the scoresheet for the sixth time in his last seven games. Even better, he’s got a goal or an assist in 8 of his last 11 appearances in all competitions. The kid’s on fire, and should just be getting started.

3. REECE JAMES (6.9)

Minutes: 90
Touches: 78
Passes: 39/50
Shots: 0/1
Take-ons: 2/2
Fouls drawn: 2
Tackles+Blocks: 6+1

And speaking of kids, here’s Reece James again, after getting the nod at right back, again. With Azpiliuceta shifted to left back at first, then shifted to a three-man backline later in the second half (after Emerson replaced Jorginho), the Captain’s versatility should enable James to keep his place as well.

vs. VALENCIA (CL, A, D 2-2)

EXCEPTIONAL (9.0+): —

EXCELLENT (8.0-8.9): —

GOOD (7.0-7.9): Kovačić (7.9), Pulisic (7.4)

AVERAGE (6.0-6.9): James (6.9), Kanté (6.9), Zouma (6.6), Arrizabalaga (6.2), Azpilicueta (6.2), Abraham (6.1)

POOR (5.0-5.9): Jorginho (5.9), Willian (5.9), Christensen (5.8), Emerson (5.6, sub), Mount (5.6, sub)

BAD (4.0-4.9): Batshuayi (4.7, sub)

TERRIBLE (3.0-3.9): —

OVERALL

(through previous match)