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Football London
Football London
Sport
Adam Newson

Chelsea half time player ratings vs Udinese: Koulibaly very impressive, Mount and Sterling sharp

Edouard Mendy

It was no surprise to see the Senegal international in the starting XI once again. Mendy had little to do early on but did have to react sharply to make a routine stop to deny Roberto Pereyra. Could've done better to deny Gerard Deulofeu's scuffed effort after pushing wide a shot from distance. 6

Cesar Azpilicueta

Chelsea's captain was used on the right of the back three and was comfortable in the early stages. Azpilicueta was a little leggy when chasing back, but when the Spaniard has an opportunity to set himself, his positioning is always spot on. 6

READ MORE Chelsea confirm Timo Werner injury blow ahead of Udinese as RB Leipzig transfer plea made

Thiago Silva

The level of consistency from Silva means this was a somewhat trademark opening 45 minutes. He stepped in when required and was cute with his use of the ball to get Chelsea into the Udinese half. Took an elbow to the face but was able to play on. 7

Kalidou Koulibaly

Took the Antonio Rudiger spot on the left of the back three, Koulibaly looked completely at ease in the Chelsea defence. The 31-year-old displayed great composure in possession to progress the ball forward and made one excellent interception to deny Udinese a clear chance. 8

Reece James

In a half that Chelsea largely dominated, James was surprisingly quiet. The academy graduate didn't have too much impact in the final third as the Blues focused the majority of their attacks through the middle and down the left flank through Mason Mount, although he did tee up a chance for his good friend. 6

N'Golo Kante

The Frenchman's first outing in pre-season for the senior side, but you wouldn't have known it. Kante started with a couple of sloppy passes yet grew into the game and scored a fine left-footed goal from 20 yards after driving forward from midfield. Scurried about to retrieve possession, the 31-year-old has been missed. 8

Jorginho

Back alongside Kante, Jorginho kept possession moving and stepped forward to win possession on a couple of occasions. His lack of athleticism was highlighted when Udinese broke forward at pace, but Jorginho did play a neat pass into Raheem Sterling for the summer signing's goal.

Marcos Alonso

It was something of a surprise to see Alonso start at left wing-back ahead of Ben Chilwell – and the Spaniard didn't quite do enough in the opening half when in several promising positions. Delivered one late free-kick into a promising area, but no Chelsea player could meet it. 7

Mason Mount

Deployed on the left of the Chelse attack, Mount was a hugely influential presence in the opening 45 minutes. He fashioned an early chance for Raheem Sterling with some brilliant footwork and was twice denied from getting on the scoresheet by reaction saves from Marco Silvestri. 8

Raheem Sterling

The England international started as Chelsea's number nine and could have got on the scoresheet after being teed up by Mount, but Silvestri made a smart save. The 27-year-old caught the eye with driving runs from deep and did find the back of the net late in the half, albeit in fortunate circumstances as the ball rebounded off the forward and over the line from close range. 8

Kai Havertz

After a quiet pre-season, Havertz needed a strong performance to be assured of his place in the side for the opening game of the Premier League season. He looked far sharper in the opening 45 minutes and found himself in several good areas. His only effort on goal was tame, however. 6

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