Chelsea 1-0 MOL Vidi: 5 Talking Points

#3 Ruben Loftus-Cheek sparkles in season's first start

Chelsea v Vidi FC - UEFA Europa League - Group L

Of the seven changes that Sarri made to the line-up from the previous game, Loftus-Cheek was one of the new starters and co-incidentally, this was also the first time he did so under the new manager. He was increasingly becoming a fringe player at the club having participated in only 33 minutes of action this season so far. But in the first real opportunity to make a point, the 22-year old takes them with both hands and hammers it home.

He was everywhere. A beacon of unceasing energy, Loftus-Cheek was a battering ram with his inch-perfect passes and buccaneering runs. He shrugged off challenges with ease, while that surging run past three defenders in the first half was a moment of pure magic. It also raised a legitimate claim for a penalty as he was brought down in the area. But that didn't stop him. He then took the mickey out of another defender with another exquisite show of skill, before firing at the target.

Besides laying a key pass, he was also involved at the back as he registered one tackle and one clearance too. Such was his all-round game. And when he was taken off in the 67th minute, the whole Stamford Bridge was on its feet applauding the youngster.