Enzo Maresca has made a pleasing start to life at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea go into the November international break sitting third in the Premier League standings, having suffered just two defeats in eleven this term.
The Blues may have exited the EFL Cup in October, but their European campaign is already off to a dominant start, as they sit top of the Europa Conference League.
So, who have been the five standout players for Chelsea across all competitions between the last two international breaks?
5. Moisés Caicedo
Experts quickly questioned Chelsea’s decision to pay big money for Moisés Caicedo, but the Ecuadorian is beginning to look the part in the heart of the Blues defence. Maresca rewarded Caicedo’s excellent performances, as he was named captain for Chelsea’s final Premier League match before the international break against Arsenal.
MOISÉS CAICEDO 🇪🇨🔥 pic.twitter.com/gikzNtD0Gh
— Chelsea FC en español (@ChelseaFC_Sp) November 11, 2024
The 23-year-old was vitally important for Chelsea between the international breaks, capping an excellent run of performances by netting the equaliser against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
So far this season, Caicedo has achieved an 88.4% pass competition rate and has already registered two assists in eleven league outings.
His importance was evident in the London derby against Arsenal, where he scored a Chelsea-high match rating of 7.3, completed the highest pass completion rate, and covered more ground than any other Blues player.
4. Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer is Chelsea’s most important player, and his consistency has already been evident in the 2024-25 season. The former Manchester City star has averaged a rating of 7.87 this term, and has scored seven times and registered five assists in eleven starts.
His only goal between the international windows was a vitally important one against Newcastle, as he helped the Blues get their European bid back on track against a top-six rival at Stamford Bridge.
Good Morning Blues pic.twitter.com/y5zkv4WTgm
— Cold Palmer🏴 (@ColePalmer_0) November 10, 2024
Despite failing to score or assist against Manchester United, he showed that he can play a team role after getting the Chelsea up the field on countless occasions at Old Trafford.
A below-par performance against Arsenal saw his score a low rating of 6.4, but the point at Stamford Bridge gives the Blues an excellent chance of pushing on for a Champions League place.
3. Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson is another big-money Chelsea purchase that has been forced to battle critics. The striker has continued to catch the eye for the Blues this season, with his presence in the final third able to stretch opposing defences.
Jackson has also shown that he is becoming more clinical, netting with one of few Chelsea shots on target in an unfortunate 2-1 defeat against Liverpool on October 20.
Kai Havertz v Nicolas Jackson this season. pic.twitter.com/Yogd3BJNvE
— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) November 9, 2024
He already looked on track to achieve his best scoring season for the Blues, having netted six in eleven this season, while also adding three assists. Like Palmer, Jackson played an important role in the home win over Newcastle on October 27, netting the crucial goal in the 2-1 success.
2. Roméo Lavia
Roméo Lavia was a big miss for Chelsea last season after missing the majority of the season due to injury. However, his return has seen Enzo Fernandez dropped from the starting eleven, as the Belgian compliments Caicedo exceptionally well in the holding midfield roles.
Romeo Lavia on IG 📸💙 pic.twitter.com/7yLEr5wJzR
— Chelsea Photos (@ChelseaInPhotos) November 11, 2024
The 20-year-old has made five starts this season and has been excellent in terms of discipline after being booked just once. Lavia has completed 92.7% of his passes, which includes an excellent rate of 71.4% in terms of long passes.
His energy in the middle of the park also allows the Blues to get up the field, having completed 85.6% of his dribbles. Lavia has also won 100% of his aerial duals, and boasts a 59% rate in terms of duels won.
1. Christopher Nkunku
Away from the Premier League, Christopher Nkunku has been the leading man for Chelsea in cup competitions.
The Frenchman scored twice and registered one assist in the 8-0 win over Noah in the Europa Conference League at the start of November, achieving a match-high rating of 9.4. Nkunku also played an important role in the win over Panathinaikos last month, scoring in the 4-1 away win in Greece.
Great team spirit today, moving in the right direction.📈
See you in two weeks, Blues!❤️ pic.twitter.com/bQLQgmt3zg— Christopher Nkunku (@C___nk97) November 10, 2024
Minutes have been harder to come by in the Premier League, but his cup stats could see him handed an opportunity if Jackson’s performance levels drop off.
