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#3 Thiago Silva
Since his free transfer to Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020, Thiago Silva has rewritten the rules of nature. While most 37-year-old players are either slowing down or contemplating retirement (excluding a certain Cristiano Ronaldo), the Brazilian is arguably playing the best football of his career.
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He has settled effortlessly in a difficult league and has become the sweetheart of millions of Chelsea supporters.
In the match, Silva sat at the heart of Thomas Tuchel’s trademark three-man back-line and frustrated Lille attackers all night long. His calmness was infectious at the back as he brought the best out of Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.
The Brazil international effortlessly beat Lille’s pressing, won his individual battles, and rarely misplaced his passes.
Against the French champions, Silva had seven clearances, blocked two shots, made two interceptions, and won six duels. A masterful performance by the former PSG star.
#2 N’Golo Kante
2018 World Cup winner N’Golo Kante has had a tough time keeping himself fit this season. Thomas Tuchel’s side have coped well with his absence, of course, but they rarely look as cohesive as they do when he’s on the pitch.
Last night, the Blues had the former Leicester City man in all his glory, and the scoreline reflected that.
Operating at the heart of midfield, the Frenchman had to contend with Lille defenders all night long. The opposition did not allow him any time to settle on the ball, but still could not keep the midfielder from weaving his magic.
He made darting runs through the middle all night long and popped up with inviting passes into the box.
In the 63rd minute, Kante pierced through Lille’s midfield and effortlessly picked out Pulisic’s run on the left with an inch-perfect offload. The USA international took care of the rest.
Apart from assisting, the 30-year-old made two key passes, won six duels, and completed two of his three attempted dribbles. He also had a stellar 91% passing accuracy.
#1 Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic has not always been the most dependable creative outlet for the west London outfit. He has often struggled to find his footing in a game and tends to disappear against physically intimidating teams.
Last night, however, was a glorious exception. The American not only scored an important goal but was also at the heart of every good passage of play.
Playing on the inside left channel, Pulisic used his pace and dribbling skills to take the fight to Lille. He also dropped deep when needed and unhesitantly helped at the back.
To top it off, the USA international won seven of his nine ground duels and rarely gave the ball away.
His best moment of the match came in the 63rd minute, when Kante sent him through on the visitors’ goal. He kept his cool and clipped the ball over an onrushing Leo Jardim to find the bottom-right corner.
Apart from the excellent goal, Pulisic also provided two key passes into the Lille box. Overall, it was a confidence-boosting performance from the American, one worthy enough to make him a starter against Liverpool on Sunday.
