Chelsea faced a heavy defeat against Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic during their friendly match in Notre Dame, leaving Enzo Maresca still in search of his first victory as the head coach of the Blues.
The Scottish champions secured a 4-1 win, highlighting the significant challenges that lie ahead for Maresca.
Despite being just a pre-season match, conceding four goals is nothing short of embarrassing for Chelsea.
Here, Mail Sport provides an overview of who shone – and who struggled – during the game in the United States.
Chelsea suffered a defeat to Celtic in their friendly at Notre Dame on Saturday
Robert Sanchez – 5
Sanchez made a fantastic save to deny Kyogo, but overall, he had little chance as his defense fell apart. It remains uncertain whether he can meet his manager’s passing expectations.
Reece James – 5.5
James is still adjusting to his new inverted position, and Celtic took advantage of the spaces he left when he moved into midfield, a pattern likely to be repeated in the coming season.
Reece James adjusting to his new role, with Celtic exploiting his positioning
Wesley Fofana – 5
Fofana posed a threat during set-pieces but needs to improve his fitness after more than a year without a start.
Benoit Badiashile – 4
Badiashile committed a significant error that led to Celtic’s third goal, passing directly to Luis Palma. Even in a friendly, it was a moment he’d want to forget.
Benoit Badiashile’s mistake led to Celtic’s third goal
Levi Colwill – 5
Colwill avoided any altercations similar to his previous encounter with Wrexham’s James McClean. He needed to be alert to the consistent through balls from Celtic.
Romeo Lavia – 6
Lavia earned valuable minutes in the midfield, showcasing his ability to turn and make key passes. Here’s hoping for a more successful season for him after a challenging last year.
Carney Chukwuemeka – 5
Chukwuemeka was substituted at halftime after playing the full 90 minutes against Wrexham previously, but he contributed little in this match.
Noni Madueke – 5.5
Madueke missed a great opportunity after being setup by Raheem Sterling. He showed promise on the right side but was largely dependent on his left foot.
Noni Madueke missed a crucial chance set up by Raheem Sterling
Christopher Nkunku – 7
Nkunku scored two goals in as many pre-season matches, including a penalty in this game. He appears sharp and is looking to avoid injuries after a difficult last season.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 5
Mudryk showed some flashes of potential down the left side, including a sprint that set up a cross, but overall, he was limited and substituted at halftime.
Mykhailo Mudryk’s performance was characterized by limited contributions
Marc Guiu – 7
Though his finishing needs improvement, Guiu, at just 18 years old, has impressed with his physicality, essential for success in the Premier League.
SUBS
Raheem Sterling (for Mudryk, 45 mins) – 7
Sterling brought immediate energy to the Chelsea side on the left, almost scoring after hitting the post soon after his introduction, and he went on to win a penalty.
Lesley Ugochukwu (for Chukwuemeka, 45 mins) – 6
Ugochukwu consistently sought to push forward as Chelsea appeared to improve in the second half… until they started to concede again.
Tosin Adarabioyo (for Fofana, 45 mins) – 5
Adarabioyo displayed an adventurous spirit, even pressing Celtic players close to their box at times, but he allowed Michael Johnston to evade him easily for the fourth goal.
Tosin Adarabioyo struggled defensively, allowing a goal for Celtic
Malo Gusto (for James, 67 mins) – 5
Gusto, like James, is adjusting to the inverted role. So far, it hasn’t shown to align with his skill set, indicating there’s work to be done.
Andrey Santos (for Lavia, 67 mins) – 6
Santos had a few bright moments on the pitch, but by the time he entered the game, Chelsea was already in a difficult position.
Angelo (for Madueke, 79 mins)– N/A
Lucas Bergstrom (for Sanchez, 80 mins) – N/A
Renato Veiga (for Colwill, 80 mins) – N/A
Tyrique George (for Guiu, 84 mins) – N/A
