The Chelsea Chronicle’s series of handing out player ratings for the 2025/26 season continues, with us now looking at the defenders at Stamford Bridge.
This position has not escaped criticism this season, especially in the time Liam Rosenior has been in charge.
An 8-2 exit on aggregate in the Champions League was littered by defensive errors, and with seven crucial Premier League games remaining, picking the best centre-back duo at the club is nearly impossible right now.
One of many problems on the pitch at the moment 🤦♂️
Chelsea's Wesley Fofana
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
With that said, let’s dive in to our ratings of every defender at Stamford Bridge so far this season.
Chelsea defenders’ player ratings so far this season
Reece James – 9/10
Reece James has already racked up 36 games so far this season, far more than he has managed in any of the previous three campaigns.
Chelsea have benefitted from having him back. Whether he plays right-back or in central midfield, the skipper leads by example with his performance levels.
The England international is currently missing, however is expected to return to face Manchester United in the second league game after the international break.
Chelsea v Newcastle United - Premier League
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Malo Gusto – 6/10
Malo Gusto has finally gotten the monkey off his back by scoring a competitive goal for Chelsea during the Premier League win over Wolves.
With James featuring in midfield on occasion, Gusto has been trusted with plenty of minutes again this season, although is arguably one of those who did more under the previous manager.
Gusto is currently representing France in their friendly fixtures before the World Cup, and is expected to be a part of their squad this summer.
Josh Acheampong – 6/10
Arguably the harshest rating on the list, Josh Acheampong sits at a 6/10 largely due to factors outside of his control.
He hardly got a kick under Enzo Maresca, and will have been one of the most pleased players to see Rosenior walk through the door in January.
Still though, he is normally waiting for cup competitions to make starts for the Blues, something they desperately need to change as big clubs circle around Acheampong.
Trevoh Chalobah – 5/10
Trusted by every manager who comes through at Stamford Bridge, it is clear Trevoh Chalobah must be doing something right to be handed so many opportunities.
Of an underperforming bunch, Chalobah has arguably been the standout at centre-back throughout the 2025/26 season, although not without his own issues.
Even after praise from Rosenior, it has been reported that Chelsea are still open to offers for Chalobah at the end of the season.
QUARTER-FINAL 1: Liam Rosenior vs Frank Lampard
Wesley Fofana – 3/10
Despite being free of injuries for the majority of this campaign, Wesley Fofana has had a very poor season.
Fofana has been a liability at the back of late. His effort levels when it comes to recoveries has been heavily criticised.
Despite his extortionate transfer fee all those seasons ago, there is a strong argument that he should not be in the starting side for the huge remaining fixtures.
Benoit Badiashile – 4/10
Another season where there is unfortunately not much to report for Benoit Badiashile, who has spent his time at Chelsea riddled by injuries.
He has made just eight Premier League appearances so far this season, even though he has been fit since November.
Chelsea fans have little faith in Badiashile, and it looks as if he will be another who is on the chopping block at the end of the campaign.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 4/10
Chelsea’s most experienced outfield player, Tosin Adarabioyo is a name supporters don’t want to see on the teamsheet for an important game.
Tosin was booed after being subbed on against PSG, and despite his age being a rarity in the Chelsea squad, his own future does not look bright either.
Tosin is reportedly exploring options for the future, clearly looking for more regular minutes at another Premier League side.
Mamadou Sarr – 5/10
Mamadou Sarr moved to Stamford Bridge in January after Chelsea determined they needed more defensive cover, and given his strong relationship with Rosenior from their time together at Strasbourg.
He has been thrown into some very difficult situations already. He started against Arsenal in the Premier League and PSG in the Champions League.
There is still plenty to come from the youngster, but he has not been dealt the best hand so far at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Cucurella – 7/10
Still one of Chelsea’s most important players, Marc Cucurella is approaching a contract crossroads as he enters the final couple of years of his current deal.
However, the Blues have been shown this season the need to keep him around. He has quickly become one of the most experienced heads at Stamford Bridge.
The one complaint is that he is simply playing too many games. He is a near ever-present for club and country.
Jorrel Hato – 7/10
After a shaky start, Jorrel Hato is proving to be a very useful member of the Chelsea squad in his first season at Stamford Bridge.
Playing at both centre-back and left-back, he is showing promising signs, particularly in the time Rosenior has been at the club.
Chelsea did not get a lot of their summer business right before this season started, but bringing in Hato looks as if it could be a shrewd move.
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