Rating every Chelsea player’s start to the 2026/27 season under Xabi Alonso

Those two have not featured enough to be handed ratings, as well as youngsters Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, who have been given their first team debuts this season.

Ranking every Chelsea player this season

Let’s take a look at our ratings for every player under the new manager so far this season…

Emi Martinez: 5/10

After being brought in to remove goalkeeping woes that were suffered with Robert Sanchez in goal, Emi Martinez is so far not fitting that bill. The World Cup winner may have been signed a year or two late.

Mike Penders: 6/10

Two starts in the League Cup have eased Mike Penders into action at Stamford Bridge, with plenty expected of the young goalkeeper. He picked up his first clean sheet against Luton Town.

Josh Acheampong: 7/10

It looks like Josh Acheampong is going to play a key role under Alonso, with him seeing him as an option at both centre-back and wing-back.

Wesley Fofana: 5/10

Has not dealt with the challenge of Acheampong for his minutes well and has struggled at the back so far this season.

Maxence Lacroix: 6/10

Maxence Lacroix has settled in as Chelsea’s last line of defence since his move from Crystal Palace, however Blues fans are still waiting to see more from the experienced centre-back.

Levi Colwill: 4/10

Has not settled into the left centre-back role well so far, and looks as if the effects of his long-term injury from last season are still having an impact on Levi Colwill.

Jorrel Hato: 5/10

Jorrel Hato has impressed with the newfound attacking responsibility in the left wing-back role. Made an inexcusable error which led to one of Hull’s goals against them though.

Pep Chavarria: 7/10

After joining the club with very little fanfare, Pep Chavarria has proved a very useful addition to the first team squad. Earned his start against Brentford and was the best performing player in that 3-0 defeat.

Pedro Neto: 7/10

Looks far more at home in the wing-back position Alonso has used him in than as part of the front three. Has still been able to crop up in attacking areas to score too.

Romeo Lavia: 7/10

Availability is always the best ability, and the fact that Romeo Lavia has enjoyed a rare run of fitness at the start of this season. He has impressed, although there is clearly still caution around his ability to play prolonged minutes.

Reece James: 5/10

The club captain is arguably causing Alonso’s biggest headache at this stage. He clearly doesn’t look as comfortable in midfield, but there are questions about his fitness if asked to play in the wing-back role.

Valentin Barco: 6/10

Has had to wait patiently for Premier League minutes, but is showing signs of a duel-winning midfielder who has been desperately missed without Caicedo.

Jordan Henderson: 6/10

Hard to rate the veteran midfielder after making just one appearance. It is clear he is going to be a bit-part player when everyone is fit, and is by no means a needle-moving addition on the pitch.

Estevao Willian: 5/10

Estevao is yet to start a Premier League game this season due to the talent of the attacking players ahead of him in the pecking order. Through no real fault of his own, the Brazilian has endured a tough season so far.

Jamie Gittens: 3/10

Reports that Jamie Gittens asked to leave Chelsea during the summer make sense given the fact he is nowhere near the starting side right now. Zero Premier League minutes to his name so far.

Our Chelsea player ratings for the season so far – tell us who’s impressed you most, and least? 👀

Geovany Quenda: 5/10

Will have probably expected more minutes in the League Cup so far this season, but has been a frequent sub off the bench. Was even brought on before Estevao when chasing the game against Brentford.

Cole Palmer: 10/10

The perfect return to form and answer to his critics. Four goals and two assists in his seven appearances so far earned him a call-up to the England squad, however Chelsea are prioritising themselves and asked him to withdraw from the squad.

Morgan Rogers: 9/10

Joining for a club-record fee was always going to pile pressure on Morgan Rogers at Stamford Bridge, however he already looks a superb addition to the first team squad. Named in the Team of the Month for August, he has taken no time to settle into a thrilling front three.

Joao Pedro: 9/10

The final piece of the puzzle up front for Chelsea, August’s Player of the Month took just 30 seconds to score this season and has carried on that form throughout. Joao Pedro leads the line incredibly well, and was sorely missed against Brentford.

Danny Welbeck: 7/10

Clearly signed for his experience, Danny Welbeck has proven he will play his part on the pitch too with three goals in two appearances in the League Cup.

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