CHELSEA picked up a dominant friendly victory over AC Milan after a hapless start to their pre-season under new manager Xabi Alonso.
The Blues lost to rivals Tottenham and Juventus after only beating Western Sydney Wanderers as they gear up for their Premier League opener on August 24 at Fulham.
Chelsea star Joao Pedro scored two goals against AC Milan during a pre-season friendly Credit: Reuters
Danny Welbeck struggled for Chelsea against Milan Credit: Getty Images – Getty
This time, though, the West Londoners showed some really promising signs despite their bloated squad, which also saw the return of Mykhailo Mudryk after a nearly two-year doping ban.
Pedro Neto also played his first few minutes during pre-season after his comeback from the World Cup with Portugal.
Joao Pedro scored a brace for the London giants, while Moises Caicedo made it three against Milan.
But who stood out and who wasn’t quite up to par? SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rates every single Chelsea player below:
ROBERT SANCHEZ – 6
Wasn’t forced into a single save by AC Milan, but his passing was good and should’ve probably had an assist had Joao Pedro not been wasteful early on in the game.
PEDRO NETO – 7
Forced a good save from Torriani with a shot from the right side of the box that was heading for the bottom left corner, and seemed to thrive as a wing-back.
It could be a new role for the Portuguese winger that could see him given a new lease of life at Stamford Bridge, should Manchester City not get their paws on him this summer.
JOSH ACHEAMPONG – 8
Rafael Leao formerly named Reece James as the toughest right-back he has faced, and he might now add Josh Acheampong to that list.
The young Blues’ stopper had arguably the toughest task out of any of their defenders, but stood up brilliantly to the tricky Portuguese winger and played the ball nicely out from the back too.
The best of Chelsea’s back three today.
WESLEY FOFANA – 7
Made more defensive contributions than any other Chelsea defender, and was strong in the air and across the ground.
Many Chelsea fans want him sold, but performances like this prove why he can be a really valuable asset to Xabi Alonso’s side, particularly in a back three system.
JORREL HATO – 6
Was the least involved of Chelsea’s back three, but this is a system that will suit him better than most.
His passing was good, often progressing the ball nicely onto Marco Palestra in front of him, he just wasn’t as busy as the other two due to where Milan were (hardly) threatening.
Marco Palestra brought back memories of Marcos Alonso Credit: Getty Images – Getty
MARCO PALESTRA – 7
Chelsea’s biggest threat in the first half, thriving in the left-wing back position with heaps of athleticism and pace.
Reminiscent of Marcos Alonso in many ways in this Xabi Alonso system, and was really unfortunate not to have an assist or two in the first half alone, had it not been for the Blues’ wasteful forwards.
ROMEO LAVIA – 7
Bagged an assist for Moises Caicedo’s screamer from a corner, masterminded by Austin MacPhee – this was a game that showed the level of player that Lavia can be.
All action, some brilliant passing, and an ability to keep possession and beat the press like no other.
Completed his first ever full game for the Blues since joining in August 2023.
Moises Caicedo also stood out and scored for Chelsea Credit: Getty Images – Getty
MOISES CAICEDO – 9
This is a Rolls Royce midfielder – he can do it all.
Excellent in breaking up play against one of the best to ever do it in Luka Modric, his set-piece delivery was pinpoint to set up Joao Pedro’s opener, before he stole the show from the Brazilian with one of the finest volleys ever scored by a Chelsea player.
His trivela volley to add Chelsea’s third was something even Paul Scholes and Zinedine Zidane would look at and admire.
Cole Palmer looks like he will shine alongside Chelsea star signing Morgan Rogers Credit: Getty Images – Getty
COLE PALMER – 6
Played an interesting role as a right-sided number 10 in this 3-4-2-1 Xabi Alonso lineup, which is where many expect him to shine alongside Morgan Rogers when the former Villa man arrives in blue.
Looked sharp with a few clever touches, but lacked a little in terms of his end product, which he will be hoping is up to scratch by the time the opening day against Fulham comes around.
JOAO PEDRO – 8
Had a big chance after 12 minutes that went to waste following a great pass from Sanchez, and it looked like it might not be his day when he blazed another effort into row Z before eventually finding his range.
Opened the scoring with a perfectly placed header before half-time, and then emerged for the second half with overflowing confidence, tapping home a second just moments after the whistle went.
His versatility to thrive as one of the number 10’s, just playing off of Welbeck, adds another string to his bow for this season.
DANNY WELBECK – 4
Lashed the side netting with a left-footed effort early on, but was wasteful in all honesty in this game and that was about all he did.
Not overly involved in things for the Blues going forward, with most of the players around him more impactful than he was.
SUBS:
GEOVANY QUENDA (PEDRO NETO, 58) – 7
Hit the post with a rocket of a strike on his weaker foot after coming on.
He looks a really exciting player for the Blues, similarly to Estevao at this point last season, and looks fearless in taking on his man and playing with personality.
Stamford Bridge is going to love him.
NICOLAS JACKSON (DANNY WELBECK, 58) – 6
Came on and was better than Welbeck, linking up nicely with Cole Palmer and making things happen up top, but again lacked that clinical edge that has always been the undoing of his Chelsea career.
AARON ANSELMINO (JORREL HATO, 79)
His touch seemed a little off the pace compared to Hato, but he didn’t have much time to settle into the game in his defence.
REGGIE WATSON (MOISES CAICEDO, 85) – N/A
ESTEVAO (COLE PALMER, 85) – 6
Almost scored just moments after coming on, but was denied by Torriani in the Milan goal.
MYKHAILO MUDRYK (JOAO PEDRO, 85) – N/A
MAMADOU SARR (WESLEY FOFANA, 90+2) – N/A
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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