CHELSEA ended their pre-season tour of America with a defeat.
Real Madrid became the latest side on this tour to take advantage of Chelsea’s incredibly sloppy defending.
Noni Madueke provided a constant threat as he scored in Chelsea’s loss to Real Madrid[/caption] Levi Colwill struggled defensively in the Blues’ final match of their USA tour[/caption]A scramble in the box after a break led to Dani Ceballos bundling the ball in at the far post.
The Blues were caught out again when Vinicius Jr sent a superb ball in behind their high line and set Brahim Diaz free.
The Madrid man rounded Filip Jorgensen and finished from a very tight angle.
Chelsea pulled one back before the break as Noni Madueke rose to head a fine Enzo Fernandez cross in at the back post.
The Blues improved defensively after the break as both games went through the motions – seemingly desperate to escape and get to the airport without incident.
Here is how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Blues…
Unfortunate for the first goal but probably could have done more to stop Diaz for Real Madrid’s second.
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Struggled a lot up against Vinicius Jr at times, though did make one fine first half tackle on the Brazilian. Defensively very questionable at times and rarely got forwards.
Made a great last ditch challenge to stop Vinicius Jr early on but looked lost defensively at times as the game went on.
Lack of energy at the back making it far too easy for Real to get through at times.
Definitely still adapting to a new role on the left and playing in the middle on the ball. Got caught out in transition at times and was wasteful in possession but improved significantly in the second half.
Continues to look confident and impressive on the ball, trying to dictate games from the middle. Could have offered more cover to the defence at times.
One of Chelsea’s best performers on this tour of America. Scored his third goal in five games with a well-timed header and was a constant threat down the right.
Looked much more comfortable than the last two games and provided a superb assist for Madueke’s goal.
Enzo Fernandez set up Madueke’s goal in an improved display from the midfield[/caption]Looking sharper with each game though struggled to look as dangerous in the final third as he has been. Looks a very good fit for Maresca’s style of play.
Looks very comfortable in this new system, having thrived in similar roles at Manchester City. A couple of nearly moments going forwards and caused Real a few problems.
Put in a lot of work to lead the line but lacked a cutting edge and had to work with limited service.
A vintage Mudryk display – lots of great work getting to the box and absolutely no end product once he arrived.
Mykhailo Mudryk showed glimpses of quality but lacked an end product[/caption]More minutes for a player Maresca feels will be crucial if he is to succeed this season – looked sharp on the ball and kept the tempo up.
A couple of bright moments on the ball and good runs in behind but not the greatest impact from the summer signing.
Brought on in the unusual role of right-back but did not look out of place and was untroubled.