Chelsea Vs Ajax Player Ratings: Blues Demolish Dutch Giants 5-1

What a demolition job at Stamford Bridge. From our perspective, this Champions League encounter was over as a contest inside 20 minutes. Chelsea were utterly relentless, while Ajax simply imploded in spectacular fashion. The game's pivotal moment arrived just 16 minutes in. A reckless challenge from Kenneth Taylor saw him receive a straight red card. It was a moment of madness that left his team with a mountain to climb, and Chelsea showed no mercy. The floodgates opened shortly after, with Marc Guiu tapping in the first.

Moisés Caicedo added a second with a lovely strike before Ajax were handed a brief lifeline, with Wout Weghorst converting a penalty. However, the first half ended in a flurry of Chelsea goals, as both Enzo Fernández and Estêvão scored from the spot to make it 4-1 at the break. The second half was a mere formality, with substitute Tyrique George adding a fifth to complete the rout in this match.

Chelsea Player Ratings vs Ajax

Goalkeeper

Filip Jørgensen - 6.0: Honestly, he could have brought a book to read for most of the game. He was beaten by the penalty from Weghorst, but otherwise had almost nothing to do. The stats show zero saves, which tells you everything about Chelsea's defensive dominance. A quiet, easy night at the office for the keeper.

Defenders

Tosin Adarabioyo - 5.5: A really poor performance from him. He looked clumsy when he gave away the penalty, lunging in unnecessarily. We noticed he seemed a bit off the pace, and it was no surprise to see him hooked at halftime. That yellow card was just the icing on a very bad cake for his 45 minutes.

Jorrel Hato - 7.0: In contrast to his partner, Hato was composed and solid. He was comfortable on the ball, boasting a 95% pass accuracy, and won the majority of his duels. He looked like a seasoned pro against a demoralized attack. A very reassuring presence at the back for the Blues.

Moisés Caicedo - 7.5: Played in a defensive role but got forward to score a brilliant goal from outside the box. Caicedo was tidy in possession and contributed well before being given a rest early in the second half. It was a dynamic display that showed his versatility and eye for goal.

Wesley Fofana - 8.0: An absolute rock. What stood out to us were his 10 ball recoveries, showing he was everywhere. He also chipped in with an assist for Caicedo's goal and was faultless defensively. A commanding, all-action performance that anchored the backline perfectly.

Midfielders

Enzo Fernández - 8.0: Captained the side for the first half and led by example. He won the penalty with a clever run and dispatched it with coolness. His vision was on display as he created a big chance for his teammates. He was taken off at halftime, his job more than done.

Facundo Buonanotte - 6.5: He was involved in the game's most crucial moment, drawing the foul that led to Taylor's red card. Beyond that, he was a bit on the periphery of the game. He worked hard but didn't have a major offensive impact, which was surprising given the team's dominance.

Roméo Lavia - 7.0: A really tidy performance in the middle of the park. He kept possession moving smoothly, completing 92% of his passes. He didn't do anything spectacular, but he didn't need to. Lavia provided the control and stability that allowed the attackers to run riot.

Forwards

Jamie Gittens - 8.5: My man of the match. He was an absolute livewire on the wing, creating an astonishing five chances for his teammates. He bagged an assist for Caicedo's goal and was a constant thorn in Ajax's side with his dribbling and crossing. A top-tier attacking display.

Marc Guiu - 7.5: He got the party started with the opening goal, showing great predatory instincts in the box. He was lively and caused problems for the 45 minutes he was on the pitch. It was a classic striker's performance, capped off with a well-taken goal.

Estêvão - 8.5: The highest-rated player on the pitch for us, alongside Gittens. The kid is pure electricity. He won a penalty and scored it with confidence. He had a staggering eight shots, showing his intent, even if he missed a couple of big chances. His fearless energy was infectious.

Substitutes

Tyrique George - 7.5: What an impact. Came on at halftime and scored within three minutes. He looked sharp and hungry.

Andrey Santos - 7.0: Replaced Enzo and immediately set up the fifth goal. A very effective cameo.

Trevoh Chalobah - 6.5: Slotted in seamlessly at the back with the game already won.

Josh Acheampong - 6.5: Got some valuable minutes and looked solid.

Reggie Walsh - 6.5: Came on and kept things simple and tidy in midfield.

Manager

E. Maresca - 8.5: His game plan worked to perfection. He set his team up to be ruthless and they executed it flawlessly, especially after the red card. His substitutions were smart, allowing him to rest key players and give youngsters a chance to shine on the big stage.

Ajax Player Ratings vs Chelsea

Goalkeeper

Remko Pasveer - 6.5: I almost feel sorry for him. He conceded five goals, but he also made five saves, some of which were excellent. Without him, this could easily have been an 8-1 or 9-1 scoreline. He was left completely exposed by his defence and the early red card.

Defenders

Lucas Rosa - 5.0: A torrid time against Chelsea's wingers. He was dribbled past three times and just couldn't cope with the pace and movement of the opposition. A very difficult night for the full-back who was chasing shadows for most of the game.

Ko Itakura - 5.5: He made a couple of important blocks, but like the rest of the backline, he was simply overwhelmed. The constant pressure from Chelsea's attack was too much to handle. He was fighting a losing battle from the very start.

Youri Baas - 4.5: From our perspective, this was a disastrous performance. He gave away a penalty with a clumsy foul and was consistently beaten by his man. It's a night he will want to forget very, very quickly. A truly difficult watch.

Josip Sutalo - 5.5: He was probably the best of a very bad bunch in defence. His passing was neat, but defensively, he offered very little resistance. He looked lost at sea as Chelsea's attackers swarmed forward time and time again.

Midfielders

Raúl Moro - 6.5: One of the few Ajax players who can hold their head up. He showed some fight and skill, winning the penalty that led to their only goal. He kept trying to dribble and make things happen, even when the cause was long lost.

Kenneth Taylor - 2.0: What can you even say? A moment of absolute madness. To get a straight red card after just 16 minutes with a reckless tackle is inexcusable. He single-handedly ruined any chance his team had. The worst performer on the pitch by a mile.

Mika Godts - 5.5: He ran around a lot but had very little impact on the game. The midfield battle was completely lost after the red card, and he was left chasing ghosts. An anonymous performance, through little fault of his own.

James McConnell - 5.5: Like Godts, he was completely overrun in the middle of the park. He couldn't get near the ball as Chelsea's midfield passed it around him. A tough lesson in top-level football for the midfielder.

Oscar Gloukh - 6.0: The sacrificial lamb. He was on the pitch for just 23 minutes before being substituted for a defender after the red card. We didn't get to see what he could do, which was a shame.

Forwards

Wout Weghorst - 6.0: A bizarre game for the big striker. He scored his penalty with composure, but he also gave one away at the other end. He was a handful, but his indiscipline cost his team. Subbed at halftime after a very mixed 45 minutes.

Substitutes

Jorthy Mokio - 5.5: Came on into a chaotic situation and struggled to make an impact.

Davy Klaassen - 5.5: Brought on for the second half but couldn't influence the game.

Youri Regeer - 5.5: A late substitute with the game long over.

Anton Gaaei - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Kian Fitz-Jim - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Manager

J. Heitinga - 4.0: His plan was thrown into the bin after 16 minutes. His team looked shocked, demoralized, and utterly devoid of a plan B. The capitulation in the first half was alarming, and he was powerless to stop the bleeding. A brutal night for the Ajax boss.