Performance Review: Cesare Casadei

Finally in the team, can he stay in the XI?

24/10/2023 - Sunderland (H) - 3-1 win - 90 mins

28/10/2023 - QPR (A) - 1-2 win - 78 mins

I will predominantly be reviewing Cesare’s performance v Sunderland in this article…..

Brief overview:

I have only seen little bits from the QPR game, but, I watched back the Sunderland game in full and wow, what a performance.

My thoughts from the Sunderland game are below;

He was constantly picking up pockets of space, readying himself to receive the ball on the back foot and turn, using his strength really well to keep possession of the ball. Defensively he worked so hard and some of the stats below show that. I was really impressed with his touch and composure in tight spaces, he always seemed to know what he was going to do to get out of tight situations.

He had an excellent chance to score when the ball dropped to him unmarked in or around the penalty spot, he tried to slot it in to the bottom corner (the right decision) but the keeper made an excellent save. He later had another chance which wasn’t as simple as it was bobbling onto his weaker left foot which he struck into the ground but was a little more comfortable for the Sunderland GK.

He was happy to pick the ball up and drive at defenders but also happy to drive into space without the ball, he created an excellent chance for Iheanacho after finding space and knocking down a cushioned header which unfortunately Iheanacho’s strike smashed the post.

How he came out of this game (Sunderland) without a direct goal contribution I will never know!!

Stats from both games:

Minutes played: 168/180 mins

Passes: 67/73 passes (91.78%)

Shot accuracy: 2/4 (50%)

Chances created: 4

xGI (expected goal involvements): 1.06

Big chances missed: 2

Touches: 99

Dribble success: 3/6 (50%)

Tackle success: 1/2 (50%)

Defensive actions: 7

Defensive recoveries: 8

Ground duels won: 8/13 (61.54%)

Aerial duels won: 10/14 (71.43%)

Fouled: 5

Some clips from his ‘Player of the Match’ performance v Sunderland;

https://twitter.com/ChelseaIoanArmy/status/1717208998921846874

Summary:

I feel like in this last week Cesare’s loan has finally kick started, lets hope he continues to get picked and continues to play the way he has in recent games.

He looks confident on the ball, fit and ready to go and his manager seems really happy with him.

Some words from his manager (Enzo Maresca);

https://twitter.com/Blue_Footy/status/1717630455552372945

Luke Rushbrook