MOISES CACIEDO dominated the proceedings as Chelsea signed off their pre-season with a 4-1 win over AC Milan.
The midfielder was everywhere across the pitch as he ensured a quiet afternoon for Enzo Fernandez went almost unnoticed.
GettyMoises Caicedo dominated as Chelsea beat AC Milan[/caption]
AlamyEnzo Fernandez was less impressive[/caption]
AFPLiam Delap netted a brace in the win[/caption]
Andre Coubis gave the Blues a helping hand as he put through his own net and was sent off within the opening 18 minutes.
Joao Pedro then continued his impressive form with an early strike to put the hosts 2-0 up.
But it was Liam Delap who stole the show as he netted a brace after coming on as a substitute to seal the win.
Here’s how SunSport reporter Jack Rosser rated the Chelsea players…
Robert Sanchez – 6
A very quiet afternoon for the Chelsea keeper, made some straightforward saves and there was nothing he could have done about Milan’s goal.
Reece James – 8
A dangerous dipping cross from the wide free-kick on the left forced the own goal from Andrei Coubis, defended well when needed too, making a fine block on the line early in the second half.
After another season of injury issues the Blues skipper is looking sharp and back to his old self once more
Tosin Adarabioyo – 7
Marshalled the back line well and took the captain’s armband when James departed.
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Could be a big figure this season if Chelsea cannot fulfil Maresca’s wish and add a replacement for the injured Levi Colwill.
Trevoh Chalobah – 6
ReutersTrevoh Chalobah was forced off with an injury[/caption]
A worrying moment when the academy graduate had to limp off just ten minutes into the second half following a tangle with Yunus Musah, though he managed to walk off unaided and did not need immediate further treatment.
Not overly tested at the back but looked composed before going off.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Showed his usual energy up and down the left wing, covering well in the middle and gave little away down his side.
Moises Caicedo – 8
Dominated midfield for large parts of the game with an aggressive front-foot approach.
Had full control up against the energy and power of ex-Blue Ruben Loftus-Cheek and the craft of veteran midfielder Luka Modric.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
GettyFernandez was average[/caption]
Nothing too spectacular from the Blues midfielder but a straightforward hour or so from the Argentine.
Tested Mike Maignan with a good effort from range before being replaced.
Jamie Gittens – 7
There was a danger Gittens could have been forgotten about a touch after the flurry of signings which followed his arrival.
But this display offered great promise as he gave right-back Musah a nightmare, winning the free-kick which brought about the early opener with a dangerous run.
Cole Palmer – 7
GettyCole Palmer almost grabbed a couple of goals[/caption]
Linked well with Joao Pedro and the wide men and came agonisingly close to scoring two stunning free-kicks, rattling the post with one of them.
Pedro Neto – 7
A fine cross for Pedro’s headed goal, Neto showed his worth during a summer in which a host of new wingers will arrive to compete for his spot.
Joao Pedro – 8
GettyJoao Pedro continued his good form[/caption]
The summer signing continued his fine start to life at Chelsea.
Pedro now has five goals in as many games for his new club and took his header well here, while also looking smart on the ball when dropping deeper.
Substitutes
Josh Acheampong – 6
After an impressive showing against Bayer Leverkusen, another chance to show he can be trusted to fill the left-sided gap left by Colwill.
Liam Delap – 8
The two new No9s are settling in nicely at Stamford Bridge.
Delap came off the bench to replace Pedro and confidently tucked away his penalty, firing low to Maignan’s right before showing some smart footwork for Chelsea’s fourth, collecting and finishing on the turn.
Estevao – 7
PAEstevao got some more minutes[/caption]
Huge cheers from the Blues fans when he was introduced after the break and quickly made an impact.
The penalty was rather soft but came from a direct run by the young Brazilian who already appears a firm favourite and great prospect.
Malo Gusto – 6
Should have been more alert to Youssouf Fofana sneaking in behind him for the Milan goal but otherwise a decent performance.
Andrey Santos – 6
Allowed Alexis Saelemaekers too much space in the build up to Fofana’s strike, should have closed him down with more aggression.
Redeemed himself with a very smart and quick ball into Delap to tee up the fourth goal.
Reggie Walsh – 6
AFPReggie Walsh is still waiting on his GCSEs[/caption]
A very surreal moment for the 16-year-old, who will be waiting on his GCSE results, as he faced up to Modric, 23 years his elder.
Always asked for the ball and kept things simple rather than showing off.
Jorrel Hato – 6
Looked very comfortable moving into midfield from left-back, a key part of the game for any full-back who wants to succeed under Enzo Maresca.
Tyrique George – 6
Didn’t get too many chances to show what he can offer down the left as Estevao stole the limelight. Likely to leave on loan before the window closes.
Dario Essugo – 6
Added plenty of energy to midfield and kept things ticking over as Chelsea saw out the game.
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