Premier League 2018/19: 5 Chelsea players who performed brilliantly this season

Hazard with his award for the league's playmaker of the season
Hazard with his award for the league's playmaker of the season

On the last day of the campaign, Manchester City beat Brighton 4-1 to win their fourth Premier League title. With this, the Citizens became the third team in top-flight history to retain their crown, while Liverpool narrowly missed out in second.

London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham finished third and fourth respectively to book their place in the Champions League for next season, while Arsenal and Manchester United were forced to settle for Europa League places.

Chelsea, who were inconsistent despite a promising start to the campaign, ended their league campaign with 72 points. During the final round of fixtures, the Blues were held to a goalless draw against Leicester. Here, we take a look at five Chelsea players who performed brilliantly to ensure Maurizio Sarri's men qualified for the Champions League.


#5 Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Loftus-Cheek celebrates his goal against Eintracht Frankfurt last week
Loftus-Cheek celebrates his goal against Eintracht Frankfurt last week

The 23-year-old has become an integral part of Chelsea's first-team plans in recent months, after flourishing on-loan at Crystal Palace last season. He was recalled before the new campaign as a result of his stellar performances, netting his first goal during their 4-0 away win over Burnley in October.

The midfielder made 24 top-flight appearances, netting six goals and creating two more during that spell - despite only starting six games! With a further four goals and three assists in Europa League competition, the versatile England international played a significant role in securing their top-four place despite suggestions he'd be loaned back out again.


#4 Cesar Azpilicueta

Captain Cesar has been consistent as ever and assured at the back for Chelsea this term
Captain Cesar has been consistent as ever and assured at the back for Chelsea this term

At number four, we have Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta. He was rock solid for the Blues at the back and proved consistent as ever across all competitions.

His performance during their 2-0 home win over champions City was one of the best individual displays of the 18/19 season and despite playing at right-back, when he's more suited to a central defensive role, the Spaniard created five assists and netted another this past season.

He averaged 2.8 tackles and two clearances per game in the Premier League, while having an impressive 87% pass completion rate. Leading by example, which is nothing less than you'd expect from a player of his quality and experience.

#3 N'Golo Kante

Kante in action against Watford this past season
Kante in action against Watford this past season

Kante is one of the world's best defensive midfielders and despite this, Sarri's preference for Jorginho over the World Cup winner has seen his position change this past season.

Despite playing further forward in a more central role, the 28-year-old hasn't let that faze him nor seen a decrease in his high standards neither. He played 36 PL matches this term, netting four goals and creating four more - including a crucial goal against Manchester City.

With a successful pass completion rate of 88.4%, an average of 2.1 tackles, 1.3 key passes and 1.2 interceptions per game, Kante remained the important bridge between defence and attack in the division.


#2 Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa was consistent and impressive in his first season after a big-money move from Bilbao
Kepa was consistent and impressive in his first season after a big-money move from Bilbao

The world's most expensive goalkeeper has enjoyed a consistent first season in England. Having joined the Blues at the beginning of the 18/19 campaign from Athletic Bilbao for £75m, he kept 14 clean sheets in 36 appearances - conceding only 39 goals and making 82 saves.

Outstanding and dependable between the sticks for Chelsea, he proved his critics wrong with assured displays despite early criticism at the beginning of the year.

#1 Eden Hazard

Hazard was undeniably Chelsea's star man and led by example this season
Hazard was undeniably Chelsea's star man and led by example this season

Eden Hazard has been Real Madrid's prime target for a number of seasons now and it looks increasingly likely he'll depart Stamford Bridge to join the Spanish capital in a big-money move this summer.

He made history by winning every prize at their end-of-season awards ceremony, which further emphasises the point that he's Chelsea's best player. He added another individual accolade to his cabinet - winning the league's playmaker of the season award after creating 15 assists in 35 appearances.

In addition, he netted 16 goals and won 14 Man of the Match awards for his matchwinning performances in the final third. Hazard averaged 3.7 completed dribbles and 2.6 key passes per game, alongside the league's best goal contribution statistics too. Time will tell as to whether he'll complete his dream move this summer, though the Blues will be eagerly anticipating his departure and life after their talisman.

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Edited by Mosope Ominiyi