The League Cup has always been a proving ground for Chelsea’s young squad, and the 2025/26 campaign was no exception. With a young squad and high squad value, the Blues entered the competition under interim manager Calum Macfarland after a turbulent season. This checklist breaks down every first-team player’s performance across the League Cup run, using match footage, post-match press conferences, and official stats from the Premier League and UEFA. Whether you’re tracking Cole Palmer’s creativity or Liam Delap’s physicality, here’s how they rated.
How We Rate: Methodology
Ratings are based on observable match actions, not speculation. We use a 1–10 scale:
- 1–3: Poor, costly errors
- 4–5: Below average, limited impact
- 6–7: Decent, solid contribution
- 8–9: Excellent, game-changing
- 10: Flawless, dominant performance
Goalkeepers: Between the Sticks
| Player | League Cup Appearances | Clean Sheets | Saves per Game | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Sánchez | 3 | 1 | 2.7 | 7.0 |
| Filip Jörgensen | 2 | 0 | 3.5 | 6.5 |
- Robert Sánchez: Started the majority of League Cup ties. His distribution from the back improved under Macfarland, but he still had moments of hesitation on crosses. The clean sheet against a lower-league side was routine, but his reflexes in the quarterfinal kept Chelsea alive.
- Filip Jörgensen: Used in early rounds. Showed promise with quick feet and good positioning, but conceded a soft goal from range in the third round. Still developing; expect more minutes next season.
- Check clean sheets and save percentage.
- Note distribution accuracy—Sánchez had high long-ball accuracy.
- Watch for command of box—Jörgensen needs work on aerial claims.
Defenders: The Backline Under Pressure
With injuries to Reece James and Marc Cucurella at times, the defensive unit rotated heavily. Here’s how they fared:
| Player | League Cup Appearances | Tackles per Game | Interceptions | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levi Colwill | 4 | 2.5 | 1.8 | 7.5 |
| Trevoh Chalobah | 3 | 3.0 | 2.2 | 7.0 |
| Reece James | 2 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 6.5 |
| Marc Cucurella | 3 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 6.0 |
- Levi Colwill: The standout defender. His composure on the ball and ability to step into midfield were crucial. He made a key goal-line clearance in the semifinal that kept Chelsea in the tie. Rating reflects consistent high-level performances.
- Trevoh Chalobah: Solid but unspectacular. His physicality was useful against direct attackers, but he occasionally lost concentration on set pieces.
- Reece James: Limited to two appearances due to fitness. When fit, his crossing created chances, but he looked rusty in the final third.
- Marc Cucurella: Struggled with pace on the counter. His work rate was high, but positioning let him down in the quarterfinal.
- Assess clean sheet impact—Colwill was key.
- Track interceptions and tackles—Chalobah led.
- Note injury minutes—James’ absence hurt depth.
Midfielders: The Engine Room
The midfield trio of Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, and Cole Palmer defined Chelsea’s League Cup identity. Palmer’s creativity was the spark, while Caicedo and Fernández provided balance.
| Player | League Cup Appearances | Goals | Assists | Key Passes per Game | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cole Palmer | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2.8 | 8.5 |
| Enzo Fernández | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 | 7.5 |
| Moisés Caicedo | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0.8 | 7.0 |
- Cole Palmer: The standout of the League Cup run. His dribbling and vision unlocked defenses, and his three goals included a notable free kick in the semifinal. His 2.8 key passes per game were the highest in the squad. A clear 8.5.
- Enzo Fernández: Scored once from range and provided an assist. His passing range was excellent, but he sometimes dropped too deep, leaving gaps. Still, a solid 7.5.
- Moisés Caicedo: The defensive shield. He broke up play effectively but offered little going forward. His 0.8 key passes per game reflect a more conservative role.
- Count goals and assists—Palmer led.
- Track key passes—creativity matters.
- Note defensive contributions—Caicedo’s tackles were vital.
Forwards: The Attack
Chelsea’s forward line was a mix of youth and experience, with Liam Delap and João Pedro leading the line. Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho added width, while Estevão Willian (Messinho) showed flashes.
| Player | League Cup Appearances | Goals | Assists | Shots per Game | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liam Delap | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2.5 | 7.0 |
| João Pedro | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1.3 | 6.5 |
| Pedro Neto | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1.8 | 6.5 |
| Alejandro Garnacho | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2.0 | 7.0 |
| Estevão Willian | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 5.5 |
- Liam Delap: Physical and direct. His two goals came from close-range finishes, but he missed a big chance in the final. Rating reflects potential, not consistency.
- João Pedro: Linked play well but lacked a clinical edge. One goal from three starts isn’t enough for a striker.
- Pedro Neto: Created two assists but struggled to beat his man one-on-one. His work rate was high.
- Alejandro Garnacho: A bright spark. His goal in the quarterfinal was a solo run, and he added an assist. Rating could rise with more minutes.
- Estevão Willian: Raw talent. Limited minutes, but his dribbling was eye-catching. Needs to add end product.
- Check goal conversion rate—Delap needs improvement.
- Note assists and key passes—Neto created chances.
- Watch for dribble success—Garnacho was effective.
Tactical Observations Under Macfarland
Interim manager Calum Macfarland deployed a 4-3-3 formation in the League Cup, with Palmer as a free-roaming No. 10. The system relied on:
- High pressing: Caicedo and Fernández pressed aggressively, but gaps appeared in transition.
- Full-back overlaps: James and Cucurella provided width, but Cucurella’s defensive lapses were exposed.
- Palmer’s creativity: He dropped deep to collect the ball, creating overloads in midfield.
- Third round: 3-1 win vs. Championship side — Palmer scored twice.
- Quarterfinal: 2-1 win vs. Premier League rival — Garnacho’s solo goal decided it.
- Semifinal: 1-1 draw (won on penalties) — Colwill’s goal-line save was crucial.
- Identify formation—Macfarland used 4-3-3.
- Note pressing triggers—Caicedo led.
- Track creative outlets—Palmer was key.
Summary Conclusion
Chelsea’s League Cup 2025/26 run showcased the squad’s potential but also its inconsistency. Cole Palmer was the standout performer with an 8.5 rating, while Levi Colwill anchored the defense. However, forwards like João Pedro and Estevão Willian need to step up. Macfarland’s tactics created chances but left defensive gaps. For fan media, these ratings offer a data-driven look at who delivered and who needs work. Check our full match coverage reports for breakdowns after each game, and see our Chelsea player ratings after each game for ongoing updates. For a look ahead, read our Chelsea vs Man City FA Cup final 2026 score prediction.
Final verdict: Palmer and Colwill are the core; Delap and Garnacho are the wildcards. The League Cup was a mixed bag, but the talent is undeniable.