UEFA Champions League: Players Rating – Moses Just Average, Thibaut Courtois Worst Chelsea Player Against Barcelona
Nigeria forward Victor Moses was rated just average against Barcelona at Camp Nou, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois got the lowest marks for their performances in Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Barcelona in their second leg round of 16 UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday night.
Each Chelsea player was rated out of 10 for their display. A brace from Lionel Messi and a goal by Ousmane Dembele in between Messi’s goals, secured Barcelona’s first home win against Chelsea since 2005.
According to the ratings from a top British tabloid, Moses who featured from the start before going off for Davide Zappacosta in the second half, got five for his effort and was equally the most fouled player in the match with a total of three fouls, commenting on his display, the tabloid stated:
“Dealt well with any Barcelona threat and was happy to take defenders on at the other end. Unfortunately, he struggled to get a decent cross into the box despite numerous attempts.”
Courtois, who let in three goals, two through his legs from the excellent Lionel Messi, got four out of 10. N’Golo Kante was given a given an above average score of 6 for his energetic display, while Marcos Alonso and Willian were given 6 and 7 marks respectively. Hazard got six.
Up next for Moses and his Chelsea teammates is a trip to the King Power Stadium where they will face Leicester City’s Nigerian duo of Wilfred Ndidi and kelechi Iheanacho in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.
Thibaut Courtois
Far too easily beaten at his near post for the opener, and may have done better for the second. Nearly gifted Suárez a goal. 4/10
Cesar Azpilicueta
It is rare indeed for Azpilicueta to look second-rate, but that is what Messi does to defenders. Outclassed by the world’s best. 5/10
Andreas Christensen
Paid the price after gambling that he could beat Messi to the ball in the build-up to Barcelona’s second. Another lesson learned. 5/10
Antonio Rudiger
The least troubled of Chelsea’s defenders, and the least exposed by Messi’s brilliance. Perhaps helped by Sergi Roberto’s conservatism on the Barcelona right. 6/10
Victor Moses
Could not get forward with the same verve as Alonso, and struggled on the occasions he did. Replaced by the less adventurous Zappacosta.5/10
Cesc Fàbregas
A difficult night. Caught on the ball by his old friend Messi in the first half, and dumped on his backside in the second. 4/10
N’Golo Kanté
As energetic as ever, covering enough ground for himself and for the less mobile Fabregas. Could have scored after bursting into the box.6/10
Marcos Alonso
Had more joy in attack than defence. Tested Ter Stegen, hit the post with a free kick and could have won a penalty. 6/10
Willian
Chelsea’s most dangerous player. Provided attacking thrust from all over the pitch, although he never quite found the crucial pass. 7/10
Olivier Giroud
Was not afraid to provide a burly presence in attack and certainly ruffled Pique and Umtiti’s feathers. Lacked a clinical edge. 6/10
Eden Hazard
Plenty of nice touches, but could not work his magic close enough to the Barcelona goal. Once again, a more peripheral attacking figure than Willian. 6/10
Substitutes: Álvaro Morata (Giroud 67) 5; Davide Zappacosta (Moses 67) 6; Pedro (Hazard 81) 6.
