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Chelsea fans can't have many complaints about the way 2021 has gone for them. It did start on a difficult note with the team suffering a string of poor results which eventually led to the sacking of Frank Lampard. Chelsea then appointed Thomas Tuchel as their manager and things turned around quite quickly for them.
Chelsea players have improved massively under Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel came in and immediately transformed Chelsea into one of the most defensively formidable sides in Europe. But nobody expected them to go on and win the UEFA Champions League last season. They've a great group of players who have performed consistently this year.
Chelsea also raced to the top of the Premier League table in the early phase of the new season. Their form has dipped slightly in recent weeks but all in all, it has been a good year for the Blues.
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Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the best Chelsea players of 2021.
#5 Reece James
Reece James has quickly become an undroppable member of this Chelsea side. The right-back's blistering pace and delicious crosses have become a feature of the Blues' game. Under Tuchel, the wing-backs are tasked with joining the attack regularly.
James relishes the freedom he is given and helps Chelsea create an overload of sorts on the flanks. Once the ball is worked out wide to James, he will create space and provide a dangerous delivery into the area. He has been in pretty amazing form this season.
The 22-year-old has scored five goals and provided six assists in 21 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea in the ongoing campaign. He possesses a lot of maturity for his age and will be an important player for the Blues in the years to come.
#4 Jorginho
Chelsea's midfield metronome Jorginho has silenced his detractors quite emphatically this year. The Italian international was in top form for Chelsea as they overcame quite a few hurdles on their way to Champions League glory.
Jorginho was Chelsea's top scorer in the 2020-21 Premier League season with seven goals. He continues to be a very reliable penalty taker and the 30-year-old has had a wonderful year. Jorginho also won Euro 2020 with the Italian national team.
He is not built like the archetypal defensive midfielder. Jorginho has a slender frame and is not busting his lungs throughout the length of the game. But he more than makes up for it with his spatial awareness, positioning and game reading abilities.
Jorginho excels at cutting passing lanes and making interceptions. He is also great with the ball at his feet with his quick turns and deft touches allowing him to carve open spaces in midfield. Jorginho is also a wonderful passer of the ball and is a vital cog in Tuchel's system at Chelsea.
#3 Antonio Rudiger
Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger is reportedly close to leaving the club. That is pretty anticlimactic given his contributions to Chelsea in 2021. He had become a peripheral figure at the club towards the end of Frank Lampard's reign and was heavily linked with an exit in January 2021.
But Tuchel's arrival helped Rudiger turn things around in England. Slotting into a three-man defence, the German international brought a lot of passion, vigor and aggressiveness to the side. Rudiger is a tough-tackling defender who also possesses excellent ball-playing abilities.
He is difficult to beat in a foot race and is a thorn in the neck of attackers as he never gives up. Rudiger is also a threat from set-pieces and is also pretty adept at playing some wonderful passes from deep.
He has scored two goals and provided four assists in 23 appearances across all competitions this season for Chelsea. That's pretty impressive for a centre-back who dispenses his defensive duties with aplomb as well.
#2 Mason Mount
Mason Mount has quickly established himself as one of the most creative playmakers in the Premier League. He is a player who remained consistent under Frank Lampard and was able to carry that same form into the Thomas Tuchel era.
Mount showed glimpses of his genius in the 2020-21 season and he played a crucial role in Chelsea's Champions League triumph. Despite his influence, his numbers didn't make for great reading. He scored just nine goals and provided nine assists in 54 appearances for the Blues last term.
But the Englishman has truly turned it up this season. Mount has already scored seven goals and provided four assists in 15 Premier League appearances this term. He is quick, agile, possesses quick feet and showcases great decision making in and around the final third.
Mount will, no doubt, go on to become an extremely important player for both club and country in 2022.
#1 N'Golo Kante
N'Golo Kante was Chelsea's standout performer in the UEFA Champions League last term. The Frenchman was in irrepressible form in the knockout stages of Europe's elite competition. His performances in midfield proved to be the difference on several occasions.
Kante's relentless running and energy helped Chelsea win games against Atletico Madrid, Porto, Real Madrid and Manchester City. Not only was he great at turning over possession but he also excelled at carrying the ball forward and making things happen in the final third.
Kante was named UEFA Midfielder of the Year for his exploits. The 30-year-old is the perfect foil for Jorginho. But injuries have stopped him from featuring regularly for Chelsea this season.
