How every Chelsea player rated in Antonio Conte’s debut title-winning campaign

Add as preferred source on Google

Whilst Chelsea’s season may not have ended with the double that many fans were dreaming of going into the final weeks of the season, it was still a remarkable season for a side that finished in 10th last season below the likes of Stoke, West Ham and Southampton.

Premier League victory was assured as the club ended the season seven points ahead of second placed Tottenham with a side that only had a few key additions to help them on their way, with new manager Antonio Conte inspiring his squad to regain their past form.

Many of the awards have gone to midfield dynamo N’Golo Kante but he has been far from the only Chelsea player to be outstanding this season, with praise for virtually the whole squad.

Here are how The Boot Room rate each member of the Blues squad:

Thibaut Courtois – 7

A run of 10 consecutive games without a clean sheet marred a successful season for the Belgian, but his strong performances for the majority of the campaign still saw him pick up the Golden Glove award. With time on his side, Courtois could become a legend at Stamford Bridge.

Asmir Begovic – 4

Not trusted with the latter stages of the FA Cup, and questioned when he was selected against Manchester United in Courtois’ absence in the Premier League, it seems that now could be the right time for Begovic to move on. Though he didn’t do much wrong, he was rarely tested.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 9

Successfully converted himself to become one of the Premier League’s best central defenders and was one of the nominees for the league’s player of the year. Powerful and strong, he never looked out of place and adapted seamlessly, also representing a threat when looking to bring the ball forward from deep.

David Luiz – 9

Proved all of the doubters wrong as he eliminated mistakes and errors from his game, Luiz has developed a reputation as a fine and reliable option with his aerial dominance and consistent displays. At the heart of the back three, he had no room to slip up and he very rarely did, providing an option to replace John Terry in the seasons to come.

Gary Cahill – 8

Took on the role of captain in John Terry’s absence and was equally as strong and assured as his partners at the back. Whilst Cahill may have had more disappointing displays, they were very few and far between and he showed that even as he ages he continues to improve and has convinced Antonio Conte that he deserves a regular starting spot.

John Terry – 3

The most disappointing season of his career on an individual level, Terry’s ankle injury in September was poorly timed to coincide with a change in formation and the first choice back three never let their form drop enough to give Terry a chance. Still the leader and an influence when selected, his errors, such as his red card against Peterborough in the FA Cup and costly mistake against Watford, show that his best days are behind him.

Nathan Ake – 5

Having come on leaps and bounds whilst on loan at Bournemouth, his recall to Stamford Bridge has made little sense, given that he has made just one Premier League start since. Has now established himself as a Premier League player but will have been disappointed to have only played a bit part role upon his return to London.

Kurt Zouma – 4

Returning from injury mid-season, Zouma’s future is now in doubt after failing to contribute this season. It was a difficult task given the form of the back three, but when given opportunities, such as against Manchester United in the FA Cup, he failed to really show what he was capable of. His slowing development could be a concern.

Victor Moses – 9

Nobody would have expected Victor Moses to make 29 Premier League starts this season. From reject to hero, he has shown what he is capable of with his marauding displays down the right flank, while proving that he could drop back and defend solidly but also providing a real threat down the wing supporting Pedro, looking to put crosses into the box and also creating opportunities for himself. His woeful FA Cup final display was the blot on an otherwise superb season.

N’Golo Kante – 10

The man who never tires, you could easily question whether the Blues would have won without the Frenchman in their midfield. The former Leicester man didn’t have a single bad game and it would be hard to think of a single error he made across the whole season. The engine of this team, Kante was at the start of moves forward and showed his all-round effectiveness.

Nemanja Matic – 6

An unremarkable season for the Serb, his goal against Tottenham at Wembley was an unforgettable moment but one of the very few in which Matic had a clear influence on the game. A midfield enforcer, he was strong and allowed Kante to play his game, but doesn’t offer the creativity or attacking outlet that Cesc Fabregas does.

Cesc Fabregas – 7

A difficult start to the season saw the Spaniard fail to establish himself in the side despite performing well when given the opportunity, but he cannot be criticised for the level of his performances when called upon. His assists were crucial in the run-in as his vision and superb passing helped to pick the lock of a number of sides who set out to stop the Blues scoring.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 3

Only 32 minutes of Premier League action just go to show how the central midfielder has failed to continue his progression. Opportunities have been few and far between and he will need to prove himself next season if he is to establish himself in the top flight.

Nathaniel Chalobah – 5

With just one Premier League start, the midfielder was simply making up the numbers in this Chelsea squad. At 22 years of age, this summer could be make or break as, with additions likely, it’s unclear how he will play a role in an even stronger squad next season, though his defensive strength could be valuable when looking to see games out.

Marcos Alonso – 9

Exceeded expectations hugely, and like Victor Moses he was crucial to Antonio Conte’s game plan. With his free-kicks demonstrating just one element of how he has improved as the season has gone on, he also allowed Eden Hazard the freedom to roam centrally with Alonso ready on the flank to create chances if the Belgian failed to pull it off.

Pedro – 9

Finally showing the quality that many expected last season, the Spaniard has looked an entirely different player with pace and energy that was non-existent at times last season. Defences couldn’t handle it when he drove at them and looked to press high and really test even the best defences, his lack of consistency was the only issue.

Willian – 6

Effective when played, last season’s player of the year would not have expected to find himself a back-up option this season. The Brazilian largely only missed out because of the superb form of the three players who dominated the attacking roles all season, but Antonio Conte must be delighted to have such a quality option to replace and rotate, which will see him given more of a role with European football to manage next season.

Diego Costa – 7

A frustrating season for the Spaniard in many respects, his form before January transfer speculation was incredible. Since then, it has been little more than lacklustre. That said, he was still top scorer for the club and bullied countless defences whilst also showing a discipline that he has previously been criticised for lacking.

Eden Hazard – 9

Back to his best… If he only could have produced more consistently, he could even have earned a 10 out of 10. Time after time the Belgian came to the rescue and produced moments of magic, such as his goal against Arsenal at home or his crucial strike to give the Blues the lead against Tottenham at Wembley in the FA Cup. If he can keep up this form, Chelsea could have a fight on their hands to retain his services.

Michy Batshuayi – 4

His Premier League winning goal at the Hawthorns may have been hugely memorable, but it does little to cover up the failure that was his first season in London. His best period of form came in the final few fixtures of the campaign with the Premier League title already secured and nothing to play for, and he’s likely to be forced to look elsewhere for regular first team football next season.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by barselona.51.