Chelsea 5-1 Ajax, Player Ratings: First Man of the Match for Estêvão

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1. ESTÊVÃO

The first of what will hopefully be many, many, many WAGNH Man of the Match awards for young Estêvão, who got to score his first Champions League goal thanks to a solid leadership move from Enzo Fernández,

who gave the penalty to the youngster to take (that he had won in the first place). Estêvão almost added one by way of a bicycle kick late on: that unbridled youthful enthusiasm on full display, prompting praise from manager and teammates alike.

“The odd thing about Estêvão is with young players you’re worried they have one good game and think they’re top. Estêvão is polite, he’s humble, he wants to learn. His family make a big job there. We’re happy not only way with way he performs but he’s a nice boy, a good boy.

“I think in the Premier League he needs a little more time. It’s very similar to Cole Palmer. I had him same age with City’s Under-23s. Cole played wide and now he’s inside. Now Estêvão plays wide, but in the future I think he’s more of an inside player.

“I feel very lucky to be his manager because it’s exciting, you can enjoy. We said many times, I think the fans at the end, they paid the tickets to see players like Cole [Palmer], like Estêvão, this kind of player. So it’s nice that we can have players like Estêvão, like Cole, like them.”

-Enzo Maresca; source: ESPN

2. MOISÉS CAICEDO (7.7)

Are we Caicedo FC now? Eighth podium appearance in eleven appearances for our reigning Player of the Season — and every bit deserved. How lucky are we?

3. MARC GUIU (7.6)

We’ve been waiting for Guiu to get a start, and he finally did. And he promptly took advantage of the oppotunity, scoring our first on the night.

In our prior game, we saw him play together with João Pedro (with the latter in a supporting central role): could we see that more often going forward?

vs. AJAX AMSTERDAM (CL, H, W 5-1)

EXCEPTIONAL (8.5-9.5): —

EXCELLENT (7.5-8.4): Estêvão (8.4), Caicedo (7.7), Guiu (7.6)

GOOD (6.5-7.4): Enzo (7.3), Gittens (7.2), George (7.2, sub), Acheampong (6.9, sub), Lavia (6.8), Buonanotte (6.7), Fofana (6.6), Hato (6.6), Walsh (6.5, sub)