Taking a closer look at the Chelsea and Liverpool players’ performances at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s match against Liverpool this weekend saw some of the Premier League’s top players go head-to-head, but it also saw two teenage talents stake a claim for more first-team opportunities in the future.
While Liverpool gave a late outing to striker Jerome Sinclair, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho opted to start midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek and the 19-year-old did not disappoint.
The Chelsea youngster started in midfield alongside Jon Obi Mikel and Cesc Fabregas, and the England under-19 international fared well when compared with Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard.
It was of course the Reds star who scored the visitors’ goal to ensure the match finished 1-1, but in some other areas Loftus-Cheek matched or even bettered the former England international.
| Passing Accuracy | Key Passes | Goals | Shots | Tackles Won | Interceptions Won | Duels Won | Aerials Won | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruben Loftus-Cheek | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 60 |
| Steven Gerrard | 83% | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 79 |
The Chelsea teenager’s standout statistic was his passing accuracy – a truly remarkable 100 per cent during his 60 minutes on the pitch.
In contrast Gerrard managed just 83 per cent while Loftus-Cheek also won more tackles and more interceptions than his opponent.
The Liverpool player did come out on top in terms of goals, shot, key passes and aerial battles, but the two players were level on four apiece when it came to duels won.
In short, while Liverpool prepare to say goodbye to one of their greatest ever players, Chelsea have seen the beginnings of what looks like being a great career at Stamford Bridge.
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