In the end, Chelsea’s lack of firepower meant they were edged out in the battle for trophies. But there were some very encouraging signs for the future. Here’s how we rated the players for their displays during an eventful season.
Petr Cech: 8
His best season for several years. Tends not to make too many outstanding saves, mainly because his positioning is so spot on so he doesn’t have to. Combine that with his experience and you have a great goalkeeper whose calming influence has been vital. Jose Mourinho has a tough call to make in the number one position with Thibaut Courtois ready to return.
Mark Schwarzer: 7
A more than capable deputy for Cech, whose value was shown at the end of the season when he got a run in the side. Looked initially shaky but impressed in the final couple of games.
Branislav Ivanovic: 8
Dependable, strong and athletic. Sometimes a bit wayward with his passing and crossing but it is easy to lose sight of the fact that the Serbian is primarily a centre-half who has morphed in to a fine right-back. Scored a wonderful goal at Manchester City and was majestic in the glorious victory at Anfield.
Ashley Cole: 6
Not the way he would have wanted to bow out but his performances towards the end of the season shows he still has plenty to offer at the highest level. Positionally impeccable when called upon but his lack of first-team opportunities means the season cannot be viewed as a successful one.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 9
The Spaniard was the man who ensured Cole was barely missed. Pacy, strong and reliable in both attack and defence.
John Terry: 9
A real return to form after a miserable 2012/13. His quality was never in doubt but with other good defensive options available it was not clear if the former England captain would get the chance to prove it. Mourinho backed his inspirational skipper again and was rewarded with a sensational season. A great leader and defender whose tremendous ability to use the ball and read the game is often overlooked. Has another two seasons in him at least. His lack of international commitments can prolong his club career.
Gary Cahill: 8
Superb alongside Terry and has matured in to a brilliant defender. His reading of the game and awareness has improved tremendously and he is beginning to make a significant contribution when coming out from the back. Great in the air, confident with the ball at his feet and crucially has the ability and awareness to adjust his game according to his centre-back partner.
David Luiz: 7
If ever a player would not fit into Mourinho way it was going to be Chelsea’s Brazilian centre-half. Some memorable displays but prone to too many lapses in concentration for his boss. Harshly criticised at times, but not the no-nonsense defender the Portuguese wants. Staggeringly talented and his ability to bring the ball out of defence will be missed – as will his sheer enthusiasm, wild hair and the childlike enjoyment that was so refreshing.
John Mikel Obi: 7
Often unfairly criticised. A good footballer who hardly ever gives the ball away and does a remarkable amount of organising, sitting in and breaking up play that tends to be overlooked. The glamour players catch the eye, but if the Nigerian stays then he will still have a key role to play in a squad that will be severely stretched during a hopefully successful season. Sometimes overly cautious and a bit ponderous but in the right game can make all the difference.
Nemanja Matic: 8
Turned in some immense performances in big games – none better than the win at Manchester City – to show exactly why he was signed. In basic terms is the all-singing, all dancing, bells-and-whistles version of Mikel. More athletic, better on the ball, more positive and progressive and with better attacking instincts. You get the feeling he will be unstoppable next season as the Mourinho side really begins to take shape.
Ramires: 7
At his bustling best is a key figure in the midfield where his energy, tackling and relentless running can over-run opponents. But it’s the same story; lacks quality on the ball when it matters and is often the reason attacks break down. In certain games is absolutely crucial, but can be the weak link when more nous is called for. If he stays won’t be the first choice following the arrival of Cesc Fabregas.
Willian: 8
Took very little time to settle and is already a firm crowd favourite. Amazingly quick feet and ability. Needs to show a bit more composure with his final pass but looks the man to ease the pressure on Eden Hazard next term. Did a great defensive job too and scored a couple of unforgettable goals (at Norwich and at Southampton). The Brazilian will benefit from having the all-round midfield abilities of Fabregas and Matic sitting behind him. Regularly Chelsea’s best player towards the end of the season.
Juan Mata: 5
Accusations of poor workrate never quite rang true but clearly not part if the Mourinho masterplan. The one thing the incredibly talented playmaker lacked was pace. And that is not an attribute Mourinho can do without in attacking areas. The sort of man who needs, and deserves, to have a team built around him. It’s just a shame it’s at Manchester United.
Eden Hazard: 9
Mesmerising on the ball and almost impossible to knock off it, he was a pleasure to watch. Scored 17 goals, set up numerous more and was often double-marked. Had he been supplying a regular in-form striker then the brilliant Belgian would have looked even better. Scary to think what he can achieve when he has to carry less of the attacking burden.
Oscar: 7
A sensational start to the season in which he fully justified Mourinho’s decision to omit Mata – no matter how unpopular. The ludicrous number of games the Brazilian had played in the past 18 months finally caught up with him and injuries and a dip in form meant the second half of the season was below par. The World Cup means Oscar could well suffer again next season after two years of constant football so he will need to be managed carefully. We know just the man for that.
Andre Schurrle: 8
Boundless energy and a player who will guarantee a level of performance even if things are not quite going as he wants in an attacking sense. The pace and direct running alongside complete reliability and a tremendous team ethic means the German has already proved a fine signing. A superb finisher who scored a brilliant treble at Fulham, a glorious goal against Arsenal and two wonderful long-range goals at Stoke.
Mo Salah: 6
Promising but unpredictable. Lively, always dangerous and busy from his first appearance, but the Egyptian’s composure – or absence of it – is the issue. Plenty to suggest his quality will shine through and once he settles he could well be a regular matchwinner. He needs to be a totally reliable replacement and serious threat when he deputises for Willian and Hazard.
Samuel Eto’o: 7
Age concerns aside, Eto’o was decent without ever quite being the player that was needed to deliver the title. Some unfortunate timing with injuries prevented him from getting all the game time he needed and his advancing years meant he took time to settle again on his return. Not quite the player he was, but still a fine one albeit a little slower. The hat-trick and goal and celebration against Tottenham ensure his brief time at the Bridge has some wonderful memories.
Fernando Torres: 6
It’s never going to happen for the Spaniard is it? The class and quality is clear but he all to often looks like a man lacking the backing of his manager. When shorn of his confidence, the apathy stands out and he can border on hopeless. Many disagree but Torres still has oodles of class, but it’s almost certainly not going to be seen at Stamford Bridge. A bit-part role is the only obvious place available and Torres craves confidence and match sharpness. That only comes from regular games.
Demba Ba: 7
Another player who is clearly not fancied by the boss. Often awkward and ungainly, but normally effective with decent – if somewhat erratic – quality. Scored some vital, vital goals and will no doubt be successful when he moves on. A fine contribution given the fact he was mainly only used in emergency situations when things were beginning – or had already – gone wrong.
Tomas Kalas: 8
Looks a player, to use the pundit vernacular. Pacy, brave, good on the deck and in the air, and astonishingly mature when he played at the end of the season. His display against Liverpool at Anfield was nothing short of incredible given the pressure and importance of the match. Hugely promising and will be interesting to see how he fares on loan in Germany.
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This post was last modified on 02/07/2014