Phenomenal Neto: Chelsea player ratings for the match against Astana

Chelsea, fielding a heavily rotated squad, secured a confident 3-1 away victory over Astana in the 5th round of the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage. This result not only cemented their spot in the Round of 16, but also demonstrated their dominance in the competition.

Last season, doubts lingered over whether Chelsea could even compete effectively in the Conference League. However, under Enzo Maresca's guidance, the team has found renewed structure and returned to the upper echelons of English football. Currently, Chelsea stands as the tournament's clear favorite.

Maresca's strategy of dividing the squad into Premier League and Conference League lineups ensures all players get minutes while maintaining squad freshness. Unsurprisingly, a less star-studded XI took the field in Kazakhstan, with young talents seizing their moment. Even so, Chelsea comfortably outclassed Astana.

Let’s look at the standout performances:

Pedro Neto – 8/10

Astana simply couldn’t match Neto's level. By halftime, he had registered two assists, two shots, and a slew of crosses and incisive passes into the opposition’s box. His creativity broke Astana’s resistance early. Subbing him off in the second half almost felt like mercy for the hosts.

Marc Guiu – 8/10

The Barcelona academy graduate shone brightly, scoring twice in the first half. His first goal, a stunning move to beat a defender and calmly slot past the keeper, was a thing of beauty. At just 18 years old, Guiu looked far beyond the level of Astana’s defense.

Renato Veiga and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – both 8/10

It wasn’t just Veiga’s goal, beautifully set up by a corner from Dewsbury-Hall. Nearly all of Chelsea’s attacking moves flowed through these two. With Astana sitting deep and offering little pressing, much of Chelsea’s buildup occurred in the midfield, their domain. They also shone defensively: Dewsbury-Hall: 2 interceptions, 6 tackles, 2 duels won. Veiga: 4 interceptions, 6 tackles, 3 aerial duels won.

Their defensive stats rivaled those of Chelsea’s backline, with Tosin Adarabioyo also registering 6 tackles.

Other player ratings:

• Adarabioyo – 7
• Ampadu – 6
• Achampong – 7
• Vale – 6
• Dyer – N/A (played too little)
• George – 7
• Disasi – 6
• Jorgensen – 6
• Muheka – 6
• Rak-Sakyi – 6
• Chukwuemeka – 7