So the title is done and dusted. After a 1-0 win at the Hawthrons, Chelsea claimed their 6 top flight title and the 5th Premier League title. After, last season horrendous title defence Chelsea under new boss Antonio Conte regrouped themselves and went on to win the second Premier League title in 3 years. Every player played their part this season. We
take a look at how our players performed this season.
GK- Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian stopper was back to his best once again as Chelsea stopper return in from coincided with the Blues stability at the back. Like others, the big man wasn't at his best last season but this season he showed why he forced the long serving Petr Cech out of the club. His last minute finger tip save against Sunderland was the reason Chelsea continued their 13 game winning run.
Rating - 8/10
GK- Asmir Begovic
Played just 1 game after Courtois was ruled out of clash against Manchester United. But still remains a key squad member on the bench providing the depth for the Blues.
Rating- N/A
LB/RB/RWB - Cesar Azpilicueta
The synonym of Versatility, the spainard had another brilliant season for Chelsea. He started the campaign as a left back but with Conte's change in tactics, he played as a ride sided CB in three man defence for Conte, and as usual he didn't dissapoint. Being a natural fullback the system suited him particularly well as he could easily deal with the players running towards him.
Rating - 9/10
CB- David Luiz
Pundits everywhere critisized Chelsea's move to bring David Luiz back to the bridge. Everyone expected the same childish defending, overlapping runs and awful dispaly from the Brazilians but once he started playing as Chelsea's main man at the back everyone realized that this isn't the same adventurous Geezer. Conte played him in the middle of three man defence. The same role played by Bonucci at Juventus for Conte. David Luiz dealed with everything coming toward him. He became the main man for Chelsea at the back and fulfilled his responsibilty. A free kick against Liverpool at Anfield was his moment for Chelsea this season
Rating - 8/10
CB- Gary Cahill
Captain, Leader and Legend in making, Gary Cahill brilliantly lead the team which this season. The English international was often critisized for living under John Terry's shadow and many believed he is vunerable without Terry but he proved everyone wrong. This season he exaclty did what Terry used to do for the Blues in their previous title winning campaigns. He was given the arm band by Antonio Conte and he returned the price with some brilliant display. Like Terry, he was also brilliant at the other end of the pitch. Cahill managed 6 Premier League goals. He scored the winner at the Britania in 88th minute and scored the winner against Everton which was supposed to be Chelsea's final hurdle toward the Premier League title.
Rating - 8/10
CB- John Terry
No Chelsea fan in their wildest of dream would have ever imagined a season without their beloved Captain. John Terry did start first 4 games for the Blues but after the injury suffered against Swansea, John Terry couldn't get back into the team. Later in the season Terry announced that he will leave Chelsea at the end of the season ending at 21 years leagacy. Mr Chelsea will leave with another premier league winners medal in his cabinet.
Rating- 5/10
CB/RWB- Nathan Ake
Was recalled early from his loan spell at Bournemouth. He just played once in the Premier League for Chelsea but did start some games in the FA cup. He played brilliatly in the semi-final against the Spurs. The young Dutch international certainly has a future at Chelsea.
Rating- 4/10
CB- Kurt Zouma
Another man who is affected by Chelsea's switch to back 3. The French youngster was probably Chelsea's best defender last season but after his horrofic injury in February of last season everything changed for him. The injury kept him in the sidelines for almost a year and he find it hard to break in Chelsea's starting XI and was put down in the pecking order.
Rating - 4/10
RWB- Victor Moses
Victor Moses fortune changed after the arrival of the Italian boss. Moses had spend last 3 season on loan and everyone could tell that he had no future at Stamord Bridge. But suprisingly Moses turned out to be Conte's perfect man to play in the right wing back position. Due to his experience as winger, Victor Moses could easily run at opposition full back and create chance. He also dropped deep to help his defence and overall played a great part in balancing Chelsea system of 3-4-3. His winner against Spurs in late November continued winning run of Chelsea.
Rating -7/10
LWB- Marcos Alosno
Marcos Alonso was supposed to be a panic buy for Chelsea but he has turned out to be a vital cog in Chelsea's title success this season. Unlike his fellow wing back Moses, Alosno was pretty solid at the back. His presence in the team allowed Eden Hazard to freely roam in opposition half as the Spainard did his defensive duty. But defense wasn't the only part of his game, he was seriously good going forward and just like his captain he also managed 6 premier league goals and created many chances in opposition half.
Rating - 8/10
CM- N'golo Kante
Premier league winner with Leicester City last season, premier league winner with Chelsea this season. PFA player of the year and FWA player of the year in 2017, it is safe to say N'golo Kante is the best premier league player of last two season. Many suggest Chelsea bought the premier league title from Leicester for just 30 million. He has been that good. He has been 10 out of 10 from the first day of the season till now.
Rating - 10/10
CM- Nemanja Matic
Not as good as his partner but the big Serb provided more freedom for Kante. He track back and his big physical presence provided Chelsea stability in the middle of the park. He was awful last season but this season he agained showed us how good he can be.
Rating- 7/10
CM- Cesc Fabregas
Being a defensive manager, Conte ask energy and pace from his player but Fabregas couldn't provide and was put down the pecking order but as the season moved on, Fabregas turned out to be a key part for Conte. His vision could break any defense in the league. He was the super sub for the Blues earlier in the season. But due to his brilliant performance week in and week out he has again earned back his place in the starting XI. Despite playing very few minutes Fabregas has racked 11 assist this season. Conte famously compared him with Andre Pirlo.
Rating- 8/10
CM- Ruben Loftus Cheek
He was supposed to be Chelsea's next big thing. After starting cup games for Chelsea last season. Many people predicted him to atleast start from the bench this time around but he hasn't been enough given chances this season. He has started some cup games but hasn't impressed the manager.
Rating- N/A
CM- Nathaniel Chalaboah
Just like Victor Moses, Chalaboah has been out on loan for many years and it was certain he would go out on loan this time around but Antonio Conte was impressed by the young English man in the pre-season and was kept at Chelsea. Chalaboah has been impressive this season. He is a regular starter in the cup games and is starting regularly from the bench in the league matches. With more experience, Chelsea fan could finally see an academy player playing regularly next season
Rating- 6/10
AM- Pedro Rodriguez
When Chelsea bought him last season, there was a lot of expectation in his shoulder but he was unable to replicate his from at Chelsea. The former Barcelona star was largely a dissapointment last season. But with the arrival of Antonio Conte, Pedro has finally found his feet in the premier league. He has been one of Chelsea's best player this season. He has scored 8 league goals scoring some of the crucial one. He scored a brilliant curling effrot against Spurs and score goal away at Goodison which almost but guarrented Chelsea's premier league title. He is also having brilliant FA cup run.
Rating- 8/10
AM- Willian
Last season player of the year, Willian is now down in the pecking order. With Pedro having one of the best season, Willian had to settle on the bench. But he is doing terrific when called upon from the bench. His display against Spurs in the FA cup semi-final is enough to prove how good player he is. With the healthy competition between Willian and Pedro, Chelsea are enjoying the success.
Rating - 7/10
AM- Eden Hazard
The main man , the X-factor, the difference maker, whatever you like to call him. Eden Hazard has been back to his scintillating best. He was one of many Chelsea star who was very poor last season and was blamed by many for Chelsea's lacklusture display but he is back to his old self. Many believe he is better in 2016-17 than he was in Chelsea's last premier league winning campaign when he also PFA player of the year and FWA player of the year. He has bagged 15 goals already this season, his best ever return in a single premier league season.
Rating- 9/10
FW- Michy Batshuayi
33 million arrival from Marseille, the Belgian hasn't hit the ground running for Chelsea. He has been very poor this season. With Diego Costa having one of the best ever campaign, Michy Batshuayi is having a hard time replacing him. Many suggest Conte isn't giving him enough chances but Conte clearly isn't happy with his style of play. Despite a poor season at the bridge Batshuayi score the title winning goal at the Hawthrons.
Rating- 5/10
FW- Diego Costa
Like Hazard he is back to his best after wilderness of last season. He has bagged another 20 league goals. He has been deadly in front of goals. Reports claiming that he would move to China may have slower down his goal tally but he still helped the team in other aspects. He has also won the most number of points for Chelsea this season.
Rating- 9/10
Manager- Antonio Conte
Eveyone underated the Italian at the start of the season. Guardiola, Mourinho and Klopp were put ahead of him in August but he has been miles ahead of each and every one of them. The Italian turned last season's mid-table finishers into the the Premier League Champions. He was always lively on the touchline and was very much passionate and became an instant cult hero at the Bridge.
Rating-10/10
Perfectly!