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Football London
Football London
Sport
Adam Newson

Chelsea player ratings vs Lille – Silva faultless, Kante delivers, Havertz steps up for Lukaku

Edouard Mendy

The first half was largely routine for Chelsea's goalkeeper, who was forced into a couple of sharp saves and one clearance having rushed off his line. Mendy's second period was even quieter as the Blues took control of the contest and opened up a two-goal lead – there was only one save of note for him to make.

It's another clean sheet in the Champions League for the Senegal international, though. He's become used to them. 7

Andreas Christensen

After his outing at right-back against Crystal Palace, Christensen was back on the right of Chelsea's back three and looked far more assured.

He helped restrict the threat of Lille frontman Johnathan David and his was reliable with his passing as the Blues built attacks and circulated possession. 7

Thiago Silva

There are very few 37 years old who make football look as easy as Silva, especially at the very top level that is the Champions League. The Brazilian made important blocks early on before he roared at supporters in the Matthew Harding Lower.

It is no coincidence that Silva always appears to be in the right position. He is one of the best around and that was highlighted in the second half as, during a Lille break, he directed Christensen in addition to tracking the ball. When it was delivered into the penalty area, Silva was there intercept. Pure class. 9

Antonio Rudiger

Chelsea's aggressive leader was very pumped up for the game, evidenced by the centre-back studding one of the advertising boards having failed to keep the ball in play.

That perhaps didn't help his game as Rudiger sliced a clearance narrowly over his own crossbar and was loose with his passing.

The German calmed down after the interval and was the consistent presence that Chelsea fans have come to expect under Tuchel. 7

Cesar Azpilicueta

Chelsea's captain started the game strongly and he fashioned a good chance for Kai Havertz inside the opening three minutes that the German couldn't take. He may not be as dynamic as Reece James up the right flank, but Azpilicueta was a constant outlet for the Blues.

He did rile Tuchel at one point after ducking out of a challenge on the byline, but much like several of his teammates, Azpilicueta proved himself on the big stage once more. 7

N'Golo Kante

There is something about the Champions League knockout stage that brings out the best of the Chelsea midfielder. Kante started tonight's game tentatively but went from strength to strength as the match progressed. His passing, particularly over distance, was excellent and he began to drive forward with the ball in the second period.

It was one of those surges that resulted in the Blues' second goal as Kante broke forward and laid the ball off to Christian Pulisic, who lifted the ball over Lille goalkeeper Leo Jardim.

If Kante can maintain this level of performance – or even exceed it – then Chelsea will have a chance of retaining their European crown. He is that influencial. 8

Mateo Kovacic

There was early concern the Croatian had suffered an injury as he was stretching out his groin inside the opening ten minutes. Kovacic was able to continue but lacked his usual vigour in possession and only made one foray into the Lille attacking third.

Mateo Kovacic during Chelsea vs Lille (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))

Kovacic returned for the second half was forced off with just 50 minutes on the clock. With the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, an injury to one of Chelsea's standout performers this season is the last thing Tuchel needed. 6

Marcos Alonso

Brought back into the starting XI having provided the assist for Hakim Ziyech's last goal against Crystal Palace on Saturday, Alonso struggled in the opening period. He was caught out by raking passes over his head three times in the first half and that earned the Spaniard a rather stern telling off by Tuchel.

Alonso improved in the second period, partly because he wasn't as cavalier in going forward, but will not be a lock to start the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on Sunday. 6

Hakim Ziyech

Chelsea's in-form attacker heading into the game, Ziyech received plenty of the ball in the opening period but his insistence to constantly cut back inside onto his left foot limited his threat – one opportunity, in particular, was wasted as the 28-year-old missed the chance to get a clear shot away.

He did deliver the corner for Havertz's opener but, unfortunately, Ziyech picked up an injury in the second period and was replaced by Saul Nigez. He will also be a doubt for Sunday's final. 7

Hakim Ziyech injured in Chelsea vs Lille ((Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images))

Kai Havertz

With Romelu Lukaku dropped to the bench, a big performance was required from Havertz. He started well and had two chances inside the opening five minutes, the first of which should've been converted.

Fortunately, the German did have to wait too much longer to get on the scoresheet as he headed home a Ziyech cross.

Havertz worked hard throughout the game off the ball, ensuring Lille's backline never had time to settle. He was unfortunate not to add a second goal with one powerful solo run forward that ended with the German blasting a shot narrowly over.

His display will undoubtedly have given Tuchel food for thought ahead of Liverpool. 8

Christian Pulisic

Handed a rare start in his preferred role on the left of the attack, Pulisic started brightly and assertively. There were a couple of nice spins away from a defender but Chelsea needed more from their No.10.

In the second period, Pulisic began to come inside more to link play but the American's biggest strength is always his work in the penalty area and he proved that rather emphatically as he finished well to double Chelsea's lead after being put in on goal by Kante. 8

Substitutes

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (for Mateo Kovacic, 51)

Deployed at the base of midfield, there were only a couple of flashes of Loftus-Cheek's dribbling ability. But he helped Chelsea get over the line with a clean sheet. 7

Saul Niguez (for Hakim Ziyech 58)

Given licence to get forward when Chelsea had the ball, the Spaniard didn't have a great influence. 6

Timo Werner (for Christian Pulisic, 80)

Given ten minutes to run at the Lille backline, Werner didn't have a chance of note. 6

Malang Sarr (for Marcos Alonso, 80)

Tightened up the left flank. Did what was needed. 6

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