The international break came at a good time for Chelsea in their efforts to finish in the Champions League places for next season.
The Blues were soundly beaten in their last Premier League game against Arsenal, and will be hoping the break from action will help them find some of the early-season spark that has deserted them lately.
A number of key first team players were unable to travel to represent their countries due to injuries. Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson did not compete due to problems Enzo Maresca will be hoping are solved by the time they are back in action.
There were certainly some positive performances during the break though by some key players who will have a big part to play in the run in for the Blues.
The Chelsea Chronicle have handed out ratings for every player who was called up to their senior side for the March international break.
Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Reece James – 8/10
After Thomas Tuchel insisted he sees the Chelsea captain as a right-back, Reece James left his international manager very impressed after starting against Latvia.
James surprised himself with a sensational free-kick to open the scoring in a game where England were struggling to break down their opposition.
A brilliant performance was backed up by a solid appearance off the bench in their opening game against Albania, where he came on at left-back.
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Levi Colwill – N/A
Despite being one of the few natural options to play on the left of a back two, there were no minutes on offer for Levi Colwill from Tuchel.
This may come as a reality check for Colwill, who despite being selected for near enough every Blues game has not lived up to expectations on occasion.
With Benoit Badiashile now back fit and providing competition for his role in the side, it is on the Cobham graduate to step up and perform in the final weeks of the campaign.
Photo by Juan Manuel Baez/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Juan Manuel Baez/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez – 9/10
A superb international break for Enzo Fernandez was capped off with a goal and an assist in a huge win over rivals Brazil.
Argentine media were wowed by Fernandez for both of his performances, as he hopes to take that strong form into the rest of the Premier League season.
Filip Jorgensen – N/A
Despite being called up for the first time to the Denmark senior side, Filip Jorgensen did not play for his country in either leg of the Nations League quarter-finals.
Jorgensen has been dropped from the Chelsea Premier League side in recent weeks, with a high-profile error against Aston Villa.
The future of the goalkeeper position at Stamford Bridge is unclear right now, with Maresca wanting a ball-playing ‘keeper when the Blues take to the field after the summer transfer window.
Moises Caicedo – 7/10
Moises Caicedo was arguably Ecuador’s most consistent performer in their two games, which included a win and a draw.
His nation currently sit only behind Argentina in their qualifying group as they make the push towards reaching the 2026 World Cup.
Kendry Paez – N/A
Kendry Paez was an unused substitute for Ecuador in their two games over the last week.
With plenty of years for him to make his mark on the international stage, the best is yet to come from the teenager.
Pedro Neto – 5/10
Pedro Neto started Portugal’s first game of the break where they beat Denmark 1-0 on their way to advancing to the semi-finals of the Nations League.
The winger performed well on the right of attack, however was not selected for the second leg of the tie and will return to Chelsea relatively fresh.
Marc Cucurella – 7/10
Tasked with dealing with a tough Netherlands attack down the right, Marc Cucurella carried his club form onto the international stage with a pair of impressive displays.
Cucurella was overshadowed by Dean Huijsen in the second game though, a player Chelsea are very keen on signing at the end of the season.
Estevao Willian – N/A
Chelsea’s most promising youngster, Estevao Willian, didn’t add to his four caps over the most recent international break.
There were calls from Brazil fans to feature Estevao more following their damning 4-1 defeat to Argentina.