Chelsea v. Rennes - statistical breakdown of key things

Here is Chelsea's pass-map against Rennes till the first substitution:

We have a clear focus on doing two things: building down the left-hand side and interplaying with our players and switching our play (either from Reece to left or left to Reece)

Looking at the pivot of Kante and Jorginho and where they worked and their successful passes, we some key things:
-Jorginho mainly involved in passing to the left-hand side (Chilwell) + switches to RJ
-Kante is just *there* in passing but looking to provide more defensive supp.

Mason Mount' action map is *very* unique as he primarily occupied the left-halfspace providing support to the running Chilwell.

Chilwell has really become a key part of our squad as we also see with the pass-map and Jorginho's action map.

Have we *ever* had such a good passing center-back like Thiago Silva since JT?

This is beauty

Next up, pass-tables!

Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell clear passing-standout as most passes came through and to them. Let's have a look at which passing relationships increasing our chances of scoring a goal

Looking at who increased our chances of scoring from passing, we get the following list:

Reece James, Ziyech, and Chilwell stand out against Rennes here.

This time, let's look at xT - who increased our chances of shooting/threatening the opponent.

Reece again on top but as expected, Ziyech right behind him as what was expected him because at times, we lack someone who can create space for people to shoot/someone who shoots.

Next up, let's look at which people *benefitted* the most from xT:

This is a problem in our midfield that I've been telling about. Our midfield has no goal-minded midfielder which means that in games like these where our midfielders get the most benefit to shoot/threaten...

they turn up null as Kante isn't one to convert all those passes into tangible results

Kante also got a lion's share of PVA received and yet was unable to convert those chances. A bit-of-everything midfielder is needed in our midfield which would explain why when Mount is in the 3, we look liquid because he can use those passes better

Finally, looking at who excelled in both PVA/xT (reminder that these are calculated *only* through passes so strikers/wingers might come low).

Reece James is clearly showing that he can be the right-back Chelsea have needed for years.