Estevao dazzled during his first appearance at Stamford Bridge (Image: Getty)
Chelsea kicked off their mini pre-season programme with a victory against Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen. The recently crowned world champions kick their Premier League campaign off next week, with Enzo Maresca and Co. being tipped for a big season.
As the sun started to set on a golden Stamford Bridge, it was star boy Estevao who dazzled in the summer haze. The teenager, making his first appearance since joining Palmeiras, might not speak the same language as team-mate Cole Palmer, but the pair linked up brilliantly in the first half. Estevao marked his Chelsea debut with a goal, tapping into an open net after Palmer’s original effort cannoned back off the crossbar.
The opening 45 minutes weren’t played as if they were a friendly fixture, but as the substitutes began to be introduced, the intensity certainly dropped off. The introduction of Jamie Gittens brought the game back to life, with fellow new signing, Joao Pedro, adding a second late on. Express Sport hands out player ratings from Chelsea vs Leverkusen.
Filip Jorgensen – 6
Would’ve been better off bringing a deckchair instead of his gloves, as Filip Jorgensen wasn’t called upon too often.
Malo Gusto – 6
There are plenty of positive parts to Malo Gusto’s game, but he often underwhelms in the final third. The right-back got into some decent crossing positions, yet failed to deliver.
Josh Acheampong – 5
Made the mistake that almost led to Leverkusen’s equaliser, with Josh Acheampong cutting an at-times nervous figure at the back.
Trevoh Chalobah – 6
Following the Levi Colwill injury, Trevoh Chalobah could see his minutes increasing during the upcoming campaign. It’s a change in fortune for the defender, given he appeared out of Maresca’s plans this time 12 months ago.
Read more: Chelsea have four options to replace Levi Colwill including Liverpool target
Cole Palmer linked up well with Estevao (Image: Getty)
Marc Cucurella – 7
Playing with an intensity that didn’t match a pre-season friendly, Marc Cucurella caught the eye with his performance against Leverkusen. Effective at both ends of the pitch, Cucurella remains a key player for the Blues.
Moises Caicedo – 7
Speaking of redemption arcs, Moises Caicedo enjoyed somewhat of a coming-of-age season last time around. His energy in midfield was lacking when taken off at the break.
Andrey Santos – 6
Looked comfortable in possession and struck up a decent partnership with Moises Caicedo. With all of the matches to come this season, expect Andrey Santos to feature plenty.
Cole Palmer – 7
Only afforded 45 minutes by boss Maresca, but Palmer looked back to his brilliant best. Picking up from where he left off at the Club World Cup, the Englishman buzzed about the pitch and linked up with Estevao in stylish fashion.
Estevao – 8
The man of the moment for Chelsea. All eyes were on Estevao pre-match and he didn’t disappoint the thousands of fans packed into Stamford Bridge. The star of something special, perhaps?
Tyrique George – 5
Needed to make an impact, but Tyrique George appeared to struggle during his 60-minute or so cameo. At times, it looked as if the youngster was trying too hard to impress, with George often pulling at shots and mistiming passes.
Liam Delap – 6
Ought to have opened his Stamford Bridge account, but was twice denied. Regardless, it was a positive outing for Liam Delap, who could find himself as the capital club’s starting striker following the rumoured departure of Nicolas Jackson.
Read more: Footballer hit in privates by firework and ‘suffers testicle injury’
Liam Delap almost found the back of the net with a cheeky lob (Image: Getty)
Subs:
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6
Kept things tight and the back and was able to help Chelsea see out the game with a clean sheet.
Pedro Neto – 7
Impressed at the Club World Cup and was once again lively off the bench. Pedro Neto is beggining to turn the shimmy inside and shot with his left foot into a bit of a trademark.
Dario Essugo – 6
The youngster resembled a little bit of a Moises Caicedo regen. Tidy player.
Jorrel Hato – 6
Likely to be another beneficiary of the Colwill injury, with Jorrel Hato making an immediate impact. Put in a crunching tackle with the score at 1-0 and looked comfortable in possession.
Reece James – 6
Decent minutes in the legs for Reece James who will be hoping to stay fit ahead of a big campaign.
Joao Pedro – 7
His energy proved infectious, with Pedro happy to chase and fight for every ball. The ex-Brighton star was rewarded with a goal late on – a finish he took well from the edge of the box.
Jamie Gittens – 7
The best of the second-half substitutes, with Jamie Gittens intent of leaving a positive impression on new boss Maresca. The recent arrival was a constant threat on the left-hand side and should play a big part for Chelsea this season.
Genesis Antwi – 7
Popped up in the dying embers of the match with an assist and no doubt caught the eye of coach Maresca.
Aaron Anselmino – N/A
Samuel Rak-Sakyi – N/A