5/5 duels, 3 chances created: Chelsea star gets better rating than Caicedo or James

The Man of the Match award for Chelsea’s win over Liverpool on Saturday night isn’t in doubt.

Moises Caicedo was superb, and won the Sky Sports award as well as 86% of the fan vote from Chelsea supporters.

There were plenty of other great candidates – Reece James played in 3 positions in the 90 minutes and was excellent for example. Malo Gusto also was moved around and did a great job between the lines.

Full back given highest marks

Marc Cucurella in action against Liverpool. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

But according to the stats, there was another candidate. The top rated Blue according to FotMob’s scoring system was Marc Cucurella with an impressive 84. Caicedo, by comparison had just 8.1 and James 7.9.

The basis for that high rating was his assist for Estevao’s goal in the 95th minute. Cucurella had found his usual dangerous space along the defensive line and managed to stay onside so that Enzo Fernandez could thread it through to him.

Cucurella then didn’t even look up, he just measured a perfect low cross along the “corridor of uncertainty,” knowing that any winger worth their salt would be attacking the far post. He was right – Estevao was sliding in to win the game.

Cucurella’s numbers show complete performance

As ever Cucurella was fearsome in defence too. He had 9 defensive contributions, including 5 clearances, 4 recoveries, 2 tackles and 2 interceptions.

In a game which needed us to compete physically, he won all 5 of his ground duels and drew 3 fouls without giving one away.

On the ball, he had the second most touches on the team with 72, and played 11 passes into the final third, more than anyone else on the pitch.

As ever, some of his best qualities don’t even show up on the stats sheet – his running, pressing and intensity always help lift the team when they’re getting tired.