Chelsea’s pre-season came to a close with a draw against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago as Mauricio Pochettino’s side secured an unbeaten start to a new era

Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea applauds fans following the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea FC and Borussia Dortmund (Image: Darren Walsh)×

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Chelsea’s pre-season tour is finally over. The Blues have spent just over two weeks in the United States and will already be close to arriving home after five unbeaten games, 13 goals scored and plenty of positive momentum.

The question is: will Pochettino be kept awake on his overnight flight as he looks back on the last fortnight or will he be able to sleep soundly after his pre-season endeavours? Certainly he shouldn’t suffer too many nightmares, though injury to Christopher Nkunku may lead to a degree of restlessness.

Certainly there is more cohesion than 12 months ago. Pochettino has brought more positivity after a difficult 2022/23 season.

However, the west London side have relied upon a large group of stars over the course of the tour with the trip going better for some than others. football.london takes a look at the winners and losers from the tour.

Winners

Ian Maatsen – Having returned to the club following a successful loan at Burnley, in many ways it was easy to see the Dutch defender departing the club to continue his progression. Considering he’s not even played at left back, where he has perhaps thrived the most, is mightily impressive.

Maatsen has played on the left, right and as a 10, and impressed with his intelligence and delivered a very positive impression on Pochettino. It would appear he would have a very strong chance of being involved in Chelsea’s squad, albeit perhaps not in his usual position.

Nicolas Jackson – The Senegal international looked to be the pinnacle of composure during his run in Chelsea’s opening three matches. Goals against Brighton and Newcastle helped Jackson’s case to lead the Blues’ line but perhaps even more impressive has been his all-round play to combine with the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk. Set to start versus Liverpool.

Bashir Humphreys – A surprise package of pre-season who has played far more than most expected. The 20-year-old has impressed Chelsea’s coaching staff on his way to the fifth most minutes played in the squad. Not a certainty to remain with the team for the season but looks a more confident player following his loan to Pader𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 and would seem to have improved his prospects for another loan in the coming season.

Andrey Santos – While the Brazilian youngster did not feature in the final friendly versus Dortmund, he is another that has shined across the Atlantic. The 19-year-old has looked a formidable opponent in the centre of the pitch and rarely looked out of place over the course of the summer.

Santos may not start against Liverpool but looks set to be invovled with the group moving forwards, particularly with no experienced midfielder signed in the form of Moises Caicedo. Chelsea’s January signing looks more comfortable in deep positions than Conor Gallagher and should find opportunities.

Levi Colwill – Pochettino said that he would have to deserve to start against Liverpool and Colwill has oozed class in his outings so far. A knock to Trevoh Chalobah, in addition to the issues currently suffered by Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, has opened up the opportunity for Colwill to start from the beginning of the season having agreed a new contract with the club. He won’t give his place up easily.

Mason Burstow – The young forward was not even expected to go on the trip and seemed to be heading out on loan before Chelsea flew to North Carolina to begin the pre-season tour. The former Charlton ace was made to wait for his opportunity but ultimately earned a substitute appearance and a start versus Fulham. Little will compare to his first goal for the club against Borussia Dortmund as he helped the side secure a draw and maintain their unbeaten record.

Pre-season purgatory

Christopher Nkunku – The Frenchman looks electric in and around the box and he’s already showed the goalscoring talents he was signed for. If his injury is in anyway serious having played on Soldier Field’s pitch, it will be difficult to see him and Chelsea as anything but losers.

Losers

Lewis Hall – Chelsea’s breakout start of 2022/23 has had to make do with fleeting appearances and more than ever looks in need of a loan, particularly following Maatsen’s progress.

Trevoh Chalobah – Despite the knock picked up against Fulham, Chalobah helped keep Chelsea’s defence together over pre-season. However with the Blues’ progress to sign Axel Disasi to reinforce the backline after Wesley Fofana’s injury, understandably Chalobah’s position will be questioned and he will wonder if his future lies elsewhere.

Raheem Sterling – The winger has been unable to maintain a sustained impact across pre-season when others in his position have shown promise. There remains lofty expectations following his arrival from Manchester City and should his form not improve, his impacts will provide a storyline to Chelsea’s season.

Marc Cucurella – After a refreshing opening press conference in North Carolina, Cucurella has struggled to transform his enthusiasm and confidence there into a spotless performance on the pitch. Errors remain present in his outings despite some good moments and his confidence on the pitch requires some solidity to build from.

Soucre: football.london