Chelsea started their season against Manchester City. (Image: GETTY)
Chelsea began the Enzo Maresca era with a defeat, while Manchester City launched their latest Premier League title defence with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. But Todd Boehly, watching from the stands, was able to take heart from Chelsea's encouraging performance, which allowed him to see there was some method behind their recruitment madness.
That said, some of the issues that contributed to the Blues' struggles under Mauricio Pochettino last season were still present and contributed to their losing start to the season.
Express Sport assesses Chelsea's players on an afternoon that offered Maresca plenty of positives as well as some concerns.
Robert Sanchez – 6
A confident performance until the 84th minute, when he should have done better to push away a long-range shot from Mateo Kovacic. That goal burst Chelsea's bubble.
Bad Taste – 5
He had a difficult afternoon against debutant Savinho and then Phil Foden, dribbling three times and losing six duels – more than any other player on the pitch.
Wesley Fofana – 4
His availability is a major asset, but it doesn't match the performances of a £75m centre-back. He lost the ball for Kovacic's late goal.
Levi's Colwill – 6
A more encouraging performance than his partner. He completed three of the four long passes attempted and maintained a pass completion percentage of 98 percent. This should be a great season for him.
Marc Cucurella – 7
The subject of online mockery after his viral chant – in which he pointed the finger at Erling Haaland – backfired when the Norwegian physically outplayed him to score the opening goal of the first half.
But he continued his fine form at Euro 2024, winning five of seven ground duels, recovering five balls, clearing three times, drawing three fouls and winning two tackles. Forced off the pitch after 80 minutes with an injury – a major cause for concern.
Romeo Lavia impressed against his former club. (Image: Getty)
Moses Caicedo – 5
Energetic but not impressive. Won two of six duels. Maresca will need more consistency from his £115m player than Mauricio Pochettino has received.
Romeo Lavia – 8
He will be like a new signing this season if he stays fit. He has already played more minutes than he did in his first campaign at Chelsea after a £58m move from Southampton. The hosts' best player against his former club.
FOLLOW MORE
We'll bring you the latest updates, photos and videos on this breaking news story.
For the latest breaking news and updates, visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Twitter account of the Daily Express and Express.co.uk – delivering real news as it happens.
We're also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – bringing you your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment on and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1937601/Chelsea-player-ratings-vs-Man-City-Romeo-Lavia-Premier-League