Schalke v Chelsea player ratings

After a poor start to their Champions League campaign, Chelsea are very much back on track. Here’s how we rated the players in the 3-0 victory against Schalke which took them to the top of Group E.

Petr Cech: 6
A couple of standard saves but a pretty quiet night. Used the ball well and commanded his area effectively.

Branislav Ivanovic: 7
Defended solidly, particularly before the break when the hosts were on top. Great determination to win the header for Fernando Torres’ opening goal when he stormed in front of three Schalke players.

John Terry: 7
Imposing display and once again was as important for his organisation and presence as his individual ability. Remains such a massive influence.

Gary Cahill: 6
Steady on his recall and produced exactly the display that was needed. Did nothing outstanding but more importantly did nothing wrong.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
Playing out of position at left-back the Spaniard was poor before the break and was targeted by the Germans. And although he made a couple of fine blocks and tackles, they mainly came from being caught out positionally or him giving the ball away cheaply. Improved as the game wore on but he can play so much better.

Frank Lampard: 8
Really beginning to look like he is enjoying and appreciating the sitting midfield role. Won countless tackles, blocked numerous attacks and was positionally faultless. Brings a different, more expansive take to the crucial holding midfield area.

Ramires: 6
Effective and responsible alongside Lampard. Can be a very impressive foil for his midfield partner when he is in the mood and controls his exuberance. Played well for the team.

Andre Schurrle: 5
A lack of end product throughout despite taking up some excellent positions and running himself ragged. It just didn’t quite happen for him.

Oscar: 6
Fine break for the second goal and ended up doing brilliantly when it looked like he should have released the ball to Eden Hazard earlier. But gave the ball away regularly before the break when he needed to be circumspect in possession. Work-rate was awesome – as ever.

Eden Hazard: 8
Looked decent in the first half but really started to impress after the interval. A couple of superb dribbles, retained possession well and showed great ability, pace and awareness to set up the second goal. And scored a very pleasing third late on with a great piece of composure.

Fernando Torres: 9
His willingness to gamble for the opening goal when he timed his run from Lampard’s corner was rewarded. He would not do that when he is not full of confidence. Took up brilliant positions throughout, notably for the second goal, never stopped tracking back and his run to take away the last defender for Hazard’s goal was pure class. It’s hard to think of a better performance by the Spaniard in a Chelsea shirt.

Mikel: 6
Shored things up when he came on. A sensible, thoughtful display in final 20 minutes.

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