Chelsea player ratings vs Ajax: Estevao the star man as Marc Guiu takes chance in Blues demolition job | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca gambled with his team selection, but the decision paid off as several Chelsea players performed in big Champions League win

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith

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Chelsea’s teenagers came to the fore as the Blues demolished 10-man Ajax 5-1 at Stamford Bridge.

An even game was turned on its head after 17 minutes as Kenneth Taylor was sent off for a reckless tackle on Facundo Buonanotte, and quickly after, Chelsea scored through Marc Guiu and Moises Caicedo’s heavily deflected effort from outside the area.

Wout Weghorst’s penalty briefly handed Ajax a route back into the game, but Enzo Fernandez restored the two-goal lead from the spot.

Remarkably, Estevao netted the third penalty of a frantic first-half in stoppage time and then Tyrique George scored with his first touch off the bench after the break to secure back-to-back wins in the Champions League for the Blues.

Standard Sport’s Sam Tabuteau was at Stamford Bridge to rate the Chelsea players.

Filip Jorgensen 5

Didn’t cover himself in glory, letting Weghorst’s penalty go underneath his body. Not forced into a single save as Ajax defended for their lives.

Moises Caicedo 8

This man can do everything. Deployed at right-back, but wasn’t needed much in a defensive capacity following Taylor’s sending off. He doubled Chelsea’s lead with a heavily deflected effort. Another player Chelsea are looking to wrap in cotton wool, he was taken off after 49 minutes.

Wesley Fofana 7

Alert to the break of the ball to head it across to Guiu to open the scoring. Could take his foot off the gas defensively after Ajax’s red card.

Tosin Adarabioyo 5

A sloppy stamp on the foot of Raul Moro handed Ajax a penalty and a lifeline. Picked up a yellow for his troubles, and there was no need for Maresca to risk another red card, so he was replaced at half-time by Trevoh Chalobah.

Jorrel Hato 7

Got a huge cheer from the travelling Ajax fans. Drew a slightly more muted, but no less appreciative, applause from Maresca after making a superb dart back to win the ball late on in the second-half. Growing in confidence, having been thrust into Chelsea’s starting lineup following a spate of injuries and suspensions.

Romeo Lavia 7

Steadily building his way back to full fitness, he could not have asked for an easier evening’s work as he popped the ball about under little to no pressure. His pass through the lines opened up the opportunity from which George would eventually score.

Enzo Fernandez 8

A well-taken penalty restored Chelsea’s two-goal lead before half-time. Showed a touch of class to hand Estevao the ball for Chelsea’s second penalty. Replaced at half-time, with the game all but wrapped up.

Successful penalty: Enzo Fernandez

AFP via Getty Images

Estevao 9

This kid has bucketloads of ability and confidence to boot. Really enjoyed himself, with plenty of space to play with after Taylor’s dismissal. Finished with aplomb from the spot to become the Youngest goalscorer in Chelsea’s Champions League history. Showed his age with a rash tackle after the break that brought him a yellow card. Should have had a second goal when he shot wide from George’s inviting cross.

Facundo Buonanotte 6

On the end of a nasty challenge from Kenneth Taylor, but got straight back on his feet to cross the ball that led to Chelsea’s opener. Rather anonymous thereafter despite Chelsea’s man advantage.

Jamie Gittens 7

Eager to impress after a slow start to his Chelsea career, he was a constant threat down the left and set the ball back for Caicedo to score. Would have felt frustrated not to get in on the goals, with Chelsea dominant.

Marc Guiu 8

Gave Chelsea the lead from Fofana’s header back across goal, reward for a performance that showed plenty of energy and endeavour. A tad unlucky to be replaced at half-time.

Substitutes:

Tyrique George 7

Scored Chelsea’s fifth with his first touch off the bench. A wonderful cross should have been converted by Estevao.

Andrey Santos 6

Got stuck in, recycling the ball to Estevao at every opportunity. Involved in Chelsea’s fifth goal with a clever dart into the box.

Trevoh Chalobah 6

Took the captain’s armband after Enzo Fernandez went off. Alert without ever truly being in any danger defensively.

Josh Acheampong 6

It says a lot about his development this season that he didn’t start as part of a heavily rotated Chelsea side. Trusted by Maresca, the young defender looks comfortable at this level. Pushed into midfield and used his athleticism to break into the box as Chelsea chased more goals.

Reggie Walsh 6

Brought on for his Champions League debut. It’s been a monumental rise for the teenager, who completed 18 of his 19 passes. Everything was one touch from the young midfielder, and he didn’t look remotely out of place.