Chelsea player ratings vs Bayer Leverkusen: Estevao upstages Blues teammates on debut | OneFootball

The Brazilian wonderkid starred in his first appearance at Stamford Bridge

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia

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Chelsea returned to action with a comfortable 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge.

Joao Pedro made the game safe in second-half injury time as he finished into the bottom corner from academy graduate Genesis Antwi's cut-back.

Sam Tabuteau was on hand to rate the Chelsea players’ performances for Standard Sport...

Filip Jorgensen 6

Drawn into a smart save from a Leverkusen free-kick in the first-half, but otherwise had little to do in a game Chelsea dominated.

Malo Gusto 6

Josh Acheampong 8

He showed real composure in possession, his agile frame allowing him to turn easily away from pressure. In the absence of Levi Colwill, there is a chance for Acheampong to stake a claim at centre-back.

Trevoh Chalobah 6

Picked up an early yellow card but recovered well to hold his cool in what turned into quite a feisty encounter.

Marc Cucurella 7

A characteristically energetic display from Cucurella, whose deep runs into the opposition box provided a good outlet for the Blues. Replaced at half-time by debutant Jorrel Hato.

Moises Caicedo 6

Battled away and was wrongly penalised for a foul on the edge of the box. Industrious without ever having to step out of second gear. Replaced at half-time. Maresca will know how important it is to keep the Ecuadorian midfielder fit this season.

Andrey Santos 6

Santos’ role means it’s better if he doesn’t stand out, but given how competitive it is for minutes, the Brazilian didn’t make a glowing case for further involvement. Solid but unspectacular.

Estevao 9

Every touch drew an expectant gasp from the home crowd - the Brazilian carved out a shooting chance inside four minutes for Marc Cucurella with a driving run and cross. Capped a scintillating debut with his first Chelsea goal, finishing into an open net after Palmer's lobbed finish came back off the woodwork.

Cole Palmer 7

A classy performance from a classy player. Strolled around the pitch, picking passes and opening up space. Where other Chelsea players showed signs of legginess, Palmer played with the same weightlessness we've become accustomed to since he arrived in west London. His lobbed finish fell kindly for Estevao to finish into an empty net and open the scoring for the Blues.

Tyrique George 5

Not his best game, especially compared to what Estevao was producing on the opposite flank. Some sloppy touches and ponderous moments from the Cobham graduate - a wayward shot early in the second-half just about summed up his night.

Liam Delap 7

A bruising performance from Delap, who will cause a lot of problems for defenders next season with his physicality. Presented with a few chances, he lacked a little finesse that Maresca will feel Joao Pedro can perhaps provide.

Substitutes

Tosin Adarabioyo 6

A vocal presence at the back, he marshalled an inexperienced defence well at the start of the second-half, with Hato and Acheampong

Jorrel Hato 6

Came on at left-back for Marc Cucurella. The Dutch defender was brought in to provide cover for Cucurella, but given Colwill's injury, it will be interesting to see whether the versatile defender sees his role change. Tonight, however, he very much played in the role vacated by Cucurella, routinely coming centrally to look for the ball in midfield.

Pedro Neto 6

After his performances at the Club World Cup, Neto has nothing to prove and tonight was all about getting minutes in the legs for the Portuguese winger. Stung the palms of Flekken with a low drive as Chelsea threatened a second goal.

Dario Essugo 7

Played a sweeping role, as he dropped in behind the centre-backs to provide cover. A solid debut, with some nice lunging tackles, from the young midfielder, who could provide useful cover for Caicedo.

Joao Pedro 7

Received a hero's welcome following his contributions to Chelsea's Club World Cup victory last month, and sealed the win with a composed finish right before full-time.

Reece James 6

Every minute is a valuable minute for James, not only for his role within the team but also because of his position as captain.

Jamie Gittens 7

Another exciting attacking talent on the books at Chelsea. Gittens burst past his man to set up Estevao within minutes of coming on. If nothing else, Chelsea will be a fun team to watch next season.

Genesis Antwi 7

Made the second Chelsea goal with a lovely driving run to the byline before pulling the ball back across the area for Pedro to finish.

Aaron Anselmino 6

The Argentine defender’s first meaningful minutes in a Chelsea shirt. Had little to do as Chelsea pushed for a second goal.

Samuel Rak-Sakyi 6

Another promising academy graduate who would benefit from getting minutes elsewhere. Looked to get involved without creating anything of note.