Chelsea player ratings vs Real Sociedad were dominated by Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers as Xabi Alonso’s side ended pre-season with an encouraging 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Rogers marked his first home appearance following his £117million move by scoring after only nine minutes, reacting quickest when Joao Pedro’s header was saved by Alex Remiro. Real Sociedad levelled through Jon Aramburu before half-time, but Chelsea responded impressively after the restart.
Joao Pedro headed Chelsea back in front from Reece James‘ cross before adding his second following an excellent Malo Gusto through-ball, completing a strong afternoon for Alonso’s attack.
Chelsea player ratings vs Real Sociedad
Robert Sanchez – 6.5
Produced an important save during Sociedad’s strongest period in the first half. Aramburu’s equaliser beat him at the near post, although the quality of the strike made it difficult to stop.
Wesley Fofana – 6.5
Aggressive when Chelsea defended high and generally comfortable. This was another useful outing as he tries to establish himself within Alonso’s crowded centre-back group.
Maxence Lacroix – 7
Looked composed alongside Fofana and Colwill. Made several strong interventions before making way during the second half.
Levi Colwill – 7
Very involved in Chelsea’s build-up and vocal from the opening minutes. His ability to step forward with possession remains useful in Alonso’s system.
Marco Palestra – 6.5
Provided energy on the left and regularly pushed high when Chelsea had possession. There were some loose moments, but another valuable afternoon for the summer signing.
Reece James – 7.5
One of Chelsea’s best performers. Defended with authority and delivered an excellent cross for Joao Pedro to restore Chelsea’s lead shortly after half-time. (The Sun)
Moises Caicedo – 7
Kept Chelsea moving through midfield and offered the security needed when Alonso’s attacking players pushed forward.
Pedro Neto – 7
His excellent delivery created the opportunity from which Rogers scored the opener. Neto also did plenty of defensive running as Alonso asked Chelsea’s wide players to recover into deeper areas. (The Sun)
Cole Palmer – 7.5
Did not register the goal or assist his performance deserved, but played a major role in Chelsea’s second. Palmer beat Sergio Gomez before releasing James to cross for Joao Pedro.
Morgan Rogers – 8
An excellent Stamford Bridge introduction.
Rogers scored after nine minutes and repeatedly caused problems with his movement from the left. ReadChelsea has previously looked at how Alonso plans to use Rogers alongside Palmer, and there were encouraging signs of that partnership here.
After fresh questions over Chelsea’s £117m investment before kick-off, this was exactly the type of performance Rogers needed.
Joao Pedro – 9 – Man of the match
Chelsea’s outstanding player.
Joao Pedro was involved in the opener before scoring twice himself. His movement to meet James’ delivery was excellent, while his second showed composure after Gusto split the Sociedad defence with a superb pass.
He now heads towards the competitive season looking increasingly difficult for Alonso to leave out.
Chelsea substitutes
Enzo Fernandez – 6.5
Received a mixed Stamford Bridge reception after entering shortly before the hour mark, with boos followed by chants of support from other sections of the crowd. (The Sun)
His transfer future has finally been settled for now, so attention can return to winning his place under Alonso.
Malo Gusto – 7.5
Made a major impact.
Gusto produced an outstanding through-ball for Joao Pedro’s second goal and gave Chelsea another attacking threat after coming on.
Josh Acheampong – 6.5
Comfortable after replacing Lacroix and dealt with his defensive work without fuss.
Mike Penders – 6
Had little to do after replacing Sanchez but dealt with what came his way.
Pep Chavarria – 6.5
A first Chelsea appearance following his arrival from Rayo Vallecano. The main objective was getting minutes and settling into Alonso’s structure.
Jorrel Hato – 6.5
Helped Chelsea control the closing stages after replacing Colwill.
Romeo Lavia – 7
Another positive cameo. Played progressively and started the move which eventually produced a late opportunity for Estevao. (The Sun)
Estevao – 6.5
Lively after coming on and found space around the edge of the penalty area, although his late effort flew over.
Jamie Gittens – 6
Limited time to influence proceedings as Chelsea comfortably managed the closing stages.
Joao Pedro gives Alonso a major decision
Chelsea’s final pre-season result was encouraging, but individual performances may matter more to Alonso than the 3-1 scoreline.
Rogers immediately demonstrated why Chelsea were prepared to invest so heavily in him, while James looked sharp and Palmer remained heavily involved in Chelsea’s best attacking football.
Joao Pedro was the standout.
Two goals and involvement in another represented an excellent final audition before the Premier League begins, giving Alonso a welcome selection problem ahead of Chelsea’s competitive opener.
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