Premier League: 4th (69 points)
FA Cup: 4th Round
Carabao Cup: 4th Round
UEFA Conference League: Winners
FIFA Club World Cup: Winners
Enzo Maresca: 7.25/10
The 24-25 season has left some fans debating what constitutes success, but there has clearly been some progress in the league, while they also “completed the set” by winning the Conference League. The domestic cups may have been a disaster but they proved to be worthy adversaries on the international stage, winning the new Club World Cup.
It may not be the Chelsea of old, but in the context of the Clearlake era it’s moving in the right direction on the field.
The manager still has his doubters. 4th is a respectable Premier League finish, but the manner in which it was achieved and the lack of competition from some ‘big clubs’, means there’s still work to do.
His fans will point to Champions League qualification and a trophy wins, while his detractors will focus on the lack of squad rotation, strange tactical decisions and a mixed relationship with the fanbase.
**Players must have played over 45 minutes for a write-up (180 for a rating) and at least 45 minutes in a game to qualify for a clean sheet.
Goalkeepers:
Robert Sanchez: 6.25/10
3630 mins, 13 clean sheets
Many will point out his “bozo gene” and numerous mistakes, but I can’t help but feel if you ask him to be less expansive you’ve got a genuinely good keeper there. His shot stopping and cross claiming are of a very high standard and he saved Chelsea almost as many times as he put them in jeopardy.
Room for an upgrade, but there’s not many available for a reasonable price point. His performance against PSG alone may keep him in a Chelsea shirt.
Filip Jorgensen: 4.5/10
2160 mins, 10 clean sheets
He’s played more games than anyone would have expected. The fee was too high and output has been average at best. He’s given away multiple penalties and often looked shaky when asked to deputise (predominantly in the Conference League).
He’s going to be difficult to move if the club don’t see him as a longer term option. Likely #2 to Sanchez again next season unless the club move for Maignan and he might go on loan.
Marcus Bettinelli: N/A
0 mins
Thanks for the memories Betts. Third choice keeper is a strange role in the squad, but apparently he always acted with grace and was a good figure in the dressing room. He’ll now go to Man City to learn under Pep before continuing with a coaching career of his own.
Full Backs:
Reece James: 6.25/10
1807 mins, 11 clean sheets, 3 goals, 2 assists
Availability and role plays a large part in this rating, albeit neither of these things were his choice.
Inverting, or sometimes even starting, in midfield doesn’t suit him or play to his strengths. Yes, we want to protect him and prolong his career by preventing him from bombing up and down the wings, but this version just isn’t as good. Playing as a right center back in a three could be a better alternative. He did however play well in this new role in the Club World Cup Final.
The assist against Man United and goal against Benfica are standout moments where he came in clutch once again.
Malo Gusto: 5/10
2822 mins, 14 clean sheets, 0 goals, 3 assists
Last season he deputised for James really well in a more traditional right back role, but has struggled to find form or adapt to the manager’s tactical demands. There are clear deficiencies, such as issues at the back post and in the air, which are not outweighed by any progressive output. He looked much more comfortable playing higher against PSG.
It would not be surprising if he were moved on this summer and his minutes given to the next player…
Josh Acheampong: 6/10
1324 mins, 4 clean sheets, 0 goals, 0 assists
A breakthrough year and officially part of the first team setup. Josh impressed in a variety of roles (right back, left back, center back), often switching during games and showing versatility in both position and tactical understanding.
His carrying from defence is a real asset, and something unique among the center back group, while as a full back he’s able to both overlap and invert as needed.
Cucurella: 8.5/10
4346 mins, 16 clean sheets, 7 goals, 4 assists
Marc has caught some strays during his time at Chelsea, and sometimes rightly so, but this season he’s been a mainstay of the team, showing consistency and being a pillar of Maresca’s tactical setup.
He may have slipped against Spurs (twice) and got suspended (twice) but scored the winner against Leicester and Man United. Over 4000 minutes and over 10 goal involvements is the return you need for over 60 million pounds.
Veiga: 5/10
1166 mins, 6 clean sheets, 2 goals, 1 assist (Juventus: 1196 mins, 4 clean sheets, 0 goals, 1 assist)
Played mostly at left back for Chelsea, but center back for Juventus, where he seems more comfortable. Game time for the blues was limited to almost entirely domestic cups and the Conference League and there doesn’t seem to be much of a pathway for him, so it’s expected that he will leave after not travelling for the Club World Cup.
He didn’t necessarily do anything wrong, but there seems to be a misunderstanding of his squad role, both in terms of position and standing.
Chilwell: N/A
45 mins, 1 clean sheet, 0 goals, 0 assists (Crystal Palace: 395 mins, 1 clean sheet, 1 goal, 0 assists)
You can’t convince me that a 28 year-old, Champions League winning full/wing back has no place in this squad, even as a backup. The ownership want him gone and so he was exiled, then loaned. Lacking match fitness and time for squad assimilation he struggled to displace Mitchell, who has been a mainstay for years. He did however bag himself an FA Cup medal before his inevitable Chelsea exit.
Center Backs
Colwill: 8/10
3747 mins, 13 clean sheets, 2 goals, 2 assists
Maresca mentioned Levi evolving into a leader and it’s starting to happen both in terms of on-field performance and personality. He’s endured heartbreak but it’s made him stronger. From conceding an own goal in the Championship play-off final and a penalty in the U21 Euro final to scoring the winner to seal Champions League football. Now he’s clearly a part of the Blues’ leadership group.
His on-ball ability has never been in question but this season he seems more accomplished off it and has improved in the air.
credit: @fc_mossman
Badiashile: 6/10
1769 mins, 10 clean sheets, 0 goals, 0 assists
A fantastic passer and glides across the field for a man of his stature, but could be more aggressive, especially in attacking set pieces. Played the majority of his minutes in the Conference League, missing 12 Premier League games with a hamstring injury. He’s clearly #2 to Colwill for the left center back role, but is proving to be an able deputy once again after a season punctuated with errors. Are we finally seeing Goodiashile again?
His overall time at Chelsea and injury record may see him leave this summer, but it feels like a coin toss at this stage. It would be easier to keep him and focus on more problematic areas of the squad.
Fofana: 6/10
1176 minutes, 4 clean sheets, 0 goals, 0 assists
Oh Wesley. What could have been. As has been the case for years, when he played, he was very good. Availability however was limited again, this time due to a hamstring injury (which may be somewhat down to defending 50 yards of space every game).
Chelsea look better with him in the side but given the argument about his recovery in Spring and being left at Cobham to recover from surgery I get the feeling that ownership would consider bids to remove an unavailable player on high wages. Would anyone bid his current book value though? This summer really is make or break.
Tosin: 6.5/10
3030 minutes, 17 clean sheets, 5 goals, 1 assist
Is he better than Fofana? No. Does he deserve credit for how he’s filled his rather large shoes? Absolutely. Should it have been at the expense of Chalobah for 6 months? Certainly debatable.
He’s added height, scored goals, provided a mentor figure in the dressing room and started most games in the Conference League win. It’s turned out to be a pretty astute free transfer to be fair, but he’s likely 4th/5th choice center back for most serious Champions League teams. Could be moved on for decent profit should the owners wish.
Chalobah: 6.75/10
1730 minutes, 7 clean sheets, 0 goals, 2 assists (Crystal Palace: 1243 minutes, 3 clean sheets, 3 goals, 0 assists)
Trevoh is the epitome of perseverance. Exiled, loaned, excelled, recalled, thrived… And that’s just this season. Taking his #14 shirt for Felix was disrespectful, especially if you know the story behind it, and he’s generally been mistreated but he always puts the club and fans first.
People will debate whether he’s good enough, but you would struggle to find a center back with his on-and-off-ball qualities for much under 70 million pounds these days. The club should keep him as backup across the defensive line at the very least.
Disasi: 5/10
1284 minutes, 7 clean sheets, 2 goals, 2 assists (Aston Villa: 614 minutes, 1 clean sheet, 0 goals, 0 assists)
This feels a little unfair compared to the other center backs because he was often shunted into right back in games we didn’t seem to care about too much. It’s safe to say this did not suit him, being more of a box defender, but he’s not the type to kick up a fuss. In fact he even captained the side a handful of times.
The Villa loan probably didn’t increase or decrease his value particularly, but he’s now been left out of the Club World Cup squad and will move this summer, likely for around 20-25 million pounds.
Central Midfielders
Caicedo: 8.5/10
4289 minutes, 2 goals, 6 assists
Last season Caicedo was Chelsea’s best midfielder by a country mile, and this season he’s still the best by a little bit. He’s always available, covering every blade of grass, and does it all with a smile on his face.
He’ll get plaudits for his defensive work (despite tackling from the wrong side and picking up yellow cards) but his passing is criminally underrated; helping to start counter attacks and picking up 6 assists. The output is an area where he could improve, but he’s now acting as a foil for his Argentine partner in crime.
Fernandez: 8/10
4020 minutes, 9 goals, 17 assists
There were some nasty issues behind the scenes that turned public in the beginning of the season, which need to be condemned. Surprisingly he was given the vice captaincy instead.
On field however there was a large improvement in terms of output. He doubled his Premier League goals and assists, while contributing heavily in the Conference League, bagging one of each in the final. He also scored the winner against Spurs and assisted the equalizer against Arsenal. Those London derby moments will endear anyone to fans.
Off the ball he’s still somewhat below par, but Maresca has done a decent enough job at having him attempt tackles further away from his own goal.
Lavia: 5/10
1069 minutes, 0 goals, 1 assist
Wasn’t registered in the Conference League to limit his minutes, and yet still got injured again… multiple times, while not completing a single 90. Often looks decent when he plays, but is simply not elite on-or-off the ball. Yes, he’s quite press-resistant but that’s not enough to be a top-level defensive midfielder, and even then we all saw the mistake against Newcastle. The defensive stats are okay, while there’s very little forward output aside from progressive passes.
Playing in a midfield three would cover some of his deficiencies, but he’s going to have to watch out for Santos and Essugo.
Dewsbury-Hall: 5.5/10
1816 minutes, 5 goals, 4 assists
The signing didn’t go down particularly well with fans. He’s generally been okay when asked to step in and his G+A per 90 is actually alright, albeit mainly limited to the Conference League. Didn’t play a single 90 in the Premier League and it would be unsurprising if he left this summer. The type who is a fine squad player but whose place should probably be taken by an academy boy.
Casadei: 4/10
425 minutes, 0 goals, 0 assists
Completely misprofiled, and somewhat of a missed opportunity. Why is a Fellaini regen playing as a deep-lying midfielder? He’s moved permanently to Torino and is playing much more regularly, so good for him.
Chukwuemeka: N/A
130 minutes, 0 goals, 0 assists (Dortmund: 373 minutes, 1 goal, 0 assists)
116 minutes in the Conference League group stage and 14 against Barrow in the FA Cup shows how much the club don’t want him. Could be a real asset, but like many others, simply can’t stay fit. This far down the list you have to question the training methodology.
Looking like he will go back on loan to Dortmund for a second time, where he can hopefully rediscover form and fitness.
Rak-Sakyi: N/A
106 minutes, 0 goals, 0 assists
1 start against Astana feels like a bit of a failure on the club’s behalf, despite handing out lots of debuts this year. There’s not really a pathway in midfield, is there? Presumably leaves this summer given the short time left on his contract.
Walsh: N/A
92 minutes, 0 goals, 0 assists
Reggie became the club’s youngest European starter against Djurgarden, handling himself very well considering most of his minutes came for the U18 this season. He’s an exciting prospect to keep an eye on and could be used more regularly in the U21 going forward if he continues to impress.
Attackers
Nkunku: 7/10
2326 minutes, 15 goals, 5 assists
20 goal involvements would ordinarily be a success, but Nkunku has been relegated to a backup role, mainly playing in the Conference League, which is quite frankly many tiers beneath his level. 8 of his G/A came in this competition.
At times he looked disinterested and laborious but did have a few standout moments, such as the winner against Bournemouth, a hattrick against Barrow and the turnaround goal against Benfica.
It’s probably over, which is a huge shame given his obvious talent, but Joao Pedro looks primed to take over his squad role.
Felix: 5/10
948 minutes, 7 goals, 2 assists (Milan: 1016 minutes, 3 goals, 1 assist)
This was a strange transfer, that reeked of agent favours, and never really worked out. Much like Nkunku he was reserved primarily for the Conference League and appearances off the bench elsewhere, and is free to leave this summer.
9 goal involvements is actually pretty good given the number of minutes, but you also have to take into consideration the opposition (Panathinaikos, Noah, Wolves, Southampton, Morecambe, Barrow). Often tried the difficult option and turned the ball over, much to fans’ frustration.
Still has more cards than assists in his career and needs to find a permanent home.
Palmer: 8.5/10
4247 minutes, 18 goals, 4 assists
Chelsea’s actual starting #10, Cole Palmer had an unbelievable breakout year in 23-24 and although 28 goal involvements this time around is great, it did feel underwhelming at times, notably failing to find the net in 17 games between mid-January and the beginning of May.
Sometimes it felt like he was trying too hard to make things happen, by dropping exceptionally deep to facilitate play, and yet he still had a “screw it, I’m Cole Palmer” moment in the Conference League final, providing two assists. Subsequently cemented his legacy with two goals and an assist in the first half of the Club World Cup Final.
Madueke: 6.5/10
2647 minutes, 11 goals, 5 assists
Another somewhat divisive figure amongst the fans (for some reason). He provided more goals and assists than last season, but did dip in the per 90 stats there. He does however provide higher shot volume, box touches and dribbles than any of Chelsea’s other wingers.
It was somewhat of a shame to see him go after clear improvement. You might not blame him for wanting more assurances, especially after playing on the left towards the end of the season, which severely limits his shooting acumen.
Neto: 7/10
3385 minutes, 9 goals, 9 assists
Was he overpriced? Yes. Has he lived up to the hype? Probably not. That said, he had his best goalscoring and second best assisting season to date. Scoring in some bigger, tighter games gives him the 0.5 over Madueke. His availability and versatility, especially as a false 9, made him feel a little more important. He does feel closer to his ceiling than Madueke though.
Sancho: 6/10
2426 minutes, 5 goals, 10 assists
15 goal involvements is Sancho’s best season since 20-21 and his best ever in England, while the value of his contributions was quite high in terms of points and momentum. However, it never really felt like we were going to exercise the buy option.
His ball retention and passing are really useful but his reluctance to shoot or get involved defensively were often frustrating. It was nice however to to see a boyhood Chelsea fan score a banger in the Conference League final.
George: 5.5/10
1153 minutes, 3 goals, 5 assists
Crossed the road from Cobham with Acheampong, with both playing >1000 minutes for the first team. It’s a shame he didn’t play a little more with Mudryk banned, but it’s still a breakout season and he can certainly be proud of his 8 goal involvements. Tried a little too hard for that first goal, but everyone was relieved when it finally came in the first leg against Warsaw.
With Gittens and Joao Pedro arriving he likely goes on loan to the Championship, with other players taking international slots. Not the worst move in this moment and interest is high.
Mudryk: 5.5/10
849 minutes, 3 goals, 5 assists
We’ll likely never know what truly happened here, but it’s a shame given his improvement. He was on a tear in the Conference League, which seemed to give him confidence going into international games, but still never put it together in the Premier League.
Vale: N/A
68 minutes, 0 goals, 0 assists
Had a great run in the U21s in the latter half of 2024, scoring 8 and assisting another 8, but unfortunately never got a real chance in the first team setup. Had a pair of cameos in the Conference League and that’s the last time we’ll see him in a Chelsea shirt, as he’s signed for QPR. Good luck Harvey!
Ampah: N/A
45 minutes, 0 goals, 0 assists
Got a half against Astana and generally held his own. A good season in PL2 but there’s no real pathway at right wing and he’s likely to leave sooner rather than later.
Strikers
Jackson: 7/10
2535 minutes, 13 goals, 6 assists
This could, and arguably should, be higher, if not for underperforming xG, missing big chances and getting sent off twice in 6 weeks.
His goal contributions had quite high value in terms of gaining points or momentum, which is commendable given he’s been the main striker at Chelsea for two seasons without much support or rest.
Will he stay and compete with Pedro and Delap? Will he leave? Either way his skill set is super valuable (see comparable players on FbRef below) and the best may be yet to come, despite two already more than acceptable seasons.
Guiu: 4.5/10
619 minutes, 6 goals, 0 assists
Guiu was part of the B team for the Conference League and domestic cups. If he was always going to be #3 behind Jackson and Nkunku he probably never should have been bought, but it was likely seen as a market opportunity to flip. Instead, the club could have trusted McNeilly, who got 12 goals in the PL2 and consequently let go.
There’s every possibility he leaves, either on loan or permanently, with Delap and Joao Pedro arriving. Ipswich seem to be the frontrunners.
Mheuka: N/A
118 minutes, 0 goals, 0 assists
Shim was 16 when the season started and by the end most Chelsea fans knew his name. That in itself is a huge leap. Despite floating between the U18, U21 and seniors he got a commendable 13 goals and assists. He played 12 minutes away against Astana one day and then a full game against Leicester for the U21 the next. That’s some level of commitment!
He’s likely to be the leading man for U21 this season given McNeilly’s departure.
Club World Cup Additions:
Santos: N/A
145 minutes, 0 goals, 0 assists (Strasbourg: 3024 minutes, 11 goals, 5 assists)
Perhaps unfortunate not to get more game time in the Club World Cup given the lack of depth and rotation in Chelsea’s midfield during the normal season. Had a very good game against Palmeiras after a late inclusion, as well as a nice cameo in the final.
Joao Pedro: N/A
163 minutes, 3 goals, 0 assists
Wow! What a start to his Chelsea career: three goals in two games. Not just any two games, but a semi-final and a final. Scored a rocket against Palmeiras, while showing great movement and finishing against PSG. His hold-up and link play has also been very promising.
Initially he seemed to be a versatile forward option, but has played all minutes so far exclusively as a striker.
Delap: N/A
307 minutes, 1 goal, 1 assist
Delap did well for Ipswich this season, who generally had much less possession, and he has a very particular skill set, which will likely be more useful in transition. In this sense we would expect him to be behind Jackson (or a new striker) and maybe Pedro, depending on the formation.
Started well with an assist against LAFC on his debut, and a goal against Esperance. Nearly scored a screamer against PSG but was also guilty of missing a very good chance when attempting to round Donnarumma.
A decent acquisition for the price, but we’ll see how much he plays in the real world.
The Chelsea Spot 
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