Ranking Chelsea's 5 best players in their 1-0 win against Malmo | Champions League 2021-22

#2 Hakim Ziyech

Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur - Pre Season Friendly

The game was almost a make-or-break one for Hakim Ziyech, as Chelsea needed him to step up and deliver. The Moroccan has been working hard, but has not matched the intensity of the other forwards for The Blues this season.

He started the game on the right wing, and dominated in the final third for Chelsea. However, he could not get on the scoresheet once again until Tuchel made a brave change in the second half.

When the players returned from the break, the manager made Hudson-Odoi and Ziyech swap wings and switch from their inverted winger roles. The change helped Chelsea, as the former Ajax star slotted in the lone goal of the game.

Ziyech's outing almost earned him the Man of the Match, as he had scored the winner, but his sloppy passing cost him the honour.

---

#1 Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Malmo FF vs Chelsea FC: Group H - UEFA Champions League

What a season Ruben Loftus-Cheek is having! He is now challenging for a starting role in Thomas Tuchel's side, and the Malmo game helped him further cement his credentials.

Loftus-Cheek started the game slowly, as Malmo were able to press him quickly and get the ball off him or intercept his passes. But he grew into the game well, and eventually turned out to be the best player for Chelsea on the night.

Tuchel was also full of praise for the midfielder, saying:

"He wants to dominate opponents; he wants not to just be a part of the game because I think he is too talented to just be a part of the group. He needs to use his full potential - that is the absolute key for him - and if he does like in this moment, he can be a big part of the squad."

The Chelsea manager hailed the player for his performance in the game, and wants him to show more consistency. He said:

"That is why I am very happy, and after the first 15 minutes he was involved in a lot of dangerous moments for us. I am happy he pushes himself through these little downs and comes up with another strong performance."

"I am very happy with him, and the next step is to show consistency and push himself because the limit can constantly be pushed because he has so much potential."

Loftus-Cheek completed eight dribbles, won four aerial duels, took four shots, and had an 83% pass-success rate in the game against Malmo.