Top 3: Chelsea players in the Champions League group stage as new signings shine
Soccer Football - Champions League - Group E - Stade Rennes v Chelsea - Roazhon Park, Rennes, France - November 24, 2020 Chelsea's Olivier Giroud celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
Chelsea are through to the knockout stage of the Champions League for the second season in a row after collecting 14 points from a possible 18 in Group E.
The Blues scored 14 goals and conceded just twice as they comfortably advanced to the last -16.
Frank Lampard had a number of consistent performers throughout the six matches with his talented squad stepping up to the challenge.
But who were the standout individuals in the Champions League for the Stamford Bridge side?
Here are out top 3 Chelsea players based on the the group stage matches…?
3. Olivier Giroud
Despite only starting one group match, Olivier Giroud turned out to be one of Chelsea’s key players in the group stage. With a win needed to secure qualification on matchday four against Rennes, the striker stepped off the bench to score a headed winner. Then, a week later, the France international netted all four goals as the Blues won 4-0 in Sevilla to seal top spot in the group. With five goals in just 142 minutes (a goal every 28.2 minutes), it’s impossible to leave Giroud off this list.
2. Edouard Mendy
All top teams need a top goalkeeper and, following Kepa’s struggles, it was an area of Chelsea’s squad that needed improving. Since arriving from Rennes, Edouard Mendy has steadied the Blues’ backline and was in great form in the Champions League. Helped his team secure valuable points in his five appearances, most notably at home against Sevilla and away to former club Rennes. The Senegal international made 15 saves in those games and conceded just once.
1. Timo Werner
Bought by Chelsea to deliver goals, Timo Werner hasn’t let Frank Lampard down to date. The German has been lively in attack whether he’s played out wide or through the centre. In the Champions League, the ex-RB Leipzig star has registered three goals and an assist in his six matches – most notably netting a brace in the 3-0 home win over Rennes. Blues fans will now be hoping that the 24-year-old can continue to perform in the knockout phase.