Chelsea FC had ten players selected by their national teams to roster for the summer’s World Cup. It’s a good number, but when studying performance, the results weren’t quite, well, Chelsea-like.
Moisés Caicedo (Ecuador)
Ecuador’s midfield enforcer played every minute on his side’s way to the Round of 32, excelling in his passing and defensive work. The 24-year-old created nine chanced across the four matches, as well as achieving 18 defensive contributions. However, the midfielder was not at his best when in possession, winning limited duels and performing a significantly lower number of dribbles compared to players of similar quality.
Enzo Fernández (Argentina)
From Young Player of the Tournament in 2022 to starting star in 2026, Argentina brings out the best of Enzo Fernández. The 25-year-old has been one of most consistent players so far, as he looks to notch up his second consecutive World Cup.
Fernández completed the comeback against Egypt to secure Lionel Scaloni’s side’s place in the quarter-finals, and has been superb in his ball recovery and progressive passing. Definitely more to come if he can time his arrivals into the box better. He’ll get another chance as the Albaceleste take on England in the semi-final Wednesday.
Malo Gusto (France)
The 23-year-old has logged a grand total of 28 minutes over four matches for Les Bleus, mainly because there are more established players in front of him in the pecking order. Gusto has only entered the fray when the game has been wrapped up by the tournament favorites. It is not what the full back would have wanted heading to North America, but at least he is getting some time on the pitch, which cannot be said for a fair few of his club colleagues.
Jorrel Hato (Netherlands)
Jorrel Hato crashed out with the Dutch in the Round of 32 with a defeat in penalties to Morocco. With just 34 minutes across the entire tournament, Hato played a (very) bit part role in an underwhelming tournament for Ronald Koeman’s side. Given the depth of quality in the Oranje squad, many expected them to reach the latter stages of the competition. Alas.
Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)
One assist in four games for Senegal’s starting centre forward is not pleasant reading for a player of Nicolas Jackson’s calibre. The 25-year-old’s poor performances in the opening two matches led to the striker being dropped for the next two matches, getting minimal minutes. Extremely underwhelming from the player who had a bit-part club season on loan at Bayern Munich. How will Chelsea find a suitor for him now?
Reece James (England)
James impressed in the first game of the Three Lions’ tournament, when Thomas Tuchel’s side brushed aside Croatia 4-2, but disappointed in the goalless draw with Ghana in the follow-up. Since then, the full back has been benched with a hamstring injury, though he recovered enough to enter the quarterfinals bout against Norway and put in 49 minutes.
Pedro Neto (Portugal)
After a positive first match against DR Congo, where he picked up an assist, the rest of Pedro Neto’s tournament was one of disappointment and false dawns. The 26-year-old was rarely involved on the pitch despite starting every single match, and was always one of the first Roberto Martinez would take off if the Seleção needed a spark. Unfortunately for Neto, his time in North America is over after Portugal’s late defeat to Spain in the Round of 16.
Kendry Páez (Ecuador)
After being tipped to be a shining light in North America, the 19-year-old did not get a single minute in the group stage. He then received an 11 minute cameo against Mexico in the Round of 32 when La Tri were already two goals down. Ecuador were sent packing, and Páez will hope to get better chances in 2028.
Mike Penders (Belgium)
As a back-up to Samme Lammens (himself the back-up to Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois), Penders knew going in that wouldn’t see any minutes unless something drastic occurred. He has to be wondering if the outcome for the Red Devils would be different if he got the nod over Lammens in the Spain match. Definitely one for the future for club and country.
Mamadou Sarr (Senegal)
Another Chelsea player that did not manage to get a single minute in the World Cup. 20-year-old Sarr will be disappointed not to have achieved any time on the pitch, but fortunately for the central defender, time is on his side, given his tender age.
