Chelsea Player Ratings: FA Cup 2025/26 Performances

The FA Cup 2025/26 campaign was a rollercoaster for Chelsea, marked by moments of brilliance from young stars and tactical adjustments under interim manager Calum Macfarland. From the early rounds to a dramatic final against Manchester City, every player had a chance to stake their claim. Here’s how the squad rated across the competition, with a focus on key performances, tactical fits, and what it means for the future.

How We Rate: The System

Each player is rated on a 1–10 scale based on: consistency across FA Cup appearances, impact in decisive moments (goals, assists, defensive stops), and contribution to Macfarland’s system. Ratings reflect the entire tournament run, not just the final. Use this as a guide for match coverage reports and deeper dives.

Key Ratings Criteria

• 10–9: Match-winning performances; carried the team in crucial ties.
• 8–7: Solid, reliable; contributed to goals or prevented them.
• 6–5: Average; did the basics but lacked influence.
• 4–1: Below par; errors or lack of effort cost the team.

Goalkeepers: Between the Sticks

Robert Sánchez was the preferred choice in the early rounds, commanding his area well against lower-league opposition. His shot-stopping against Aston Villa in the quarter-final was crucial, but he struggled with distribution under pressure in the semi-final. Filip Jörgensen got a run in the third round and showed composure, though he wasn’t tested enough to push for a starting spot. Sánchez edges ahead, but both need consistency for next season’s FA Cup final ambitions.

Defenders: The Backline Under Macfarland

Levi Colwill – 8.0

Colwill was the defensive anchor, starting every FA Cup match. His reading of the game and ability to step into midfield helped Chelsea control transitions. A standout performance against Manchester City in the final, where he made 7 clearances and 4 interceptions.

Reece James – 7.5 (when fit)

James featured in three ties before a minor knock ruled him out of the final. His overlapping runs and crosses created 3 assists in the competition. When available, he’s a game-changer; his absence in the final was felt.

Marc Cucurella – 7.0

Cucurella’s energy on the left was vital in the early rounds, but he was exposed defensively against pacey wingers in the semi-final. A reliable squad option, not a star.

Trevoh Chalobah – 6.5

Chalobah filled in admirably during the quarter-final after a Colwill injury scare. Solid but unspectacular; his passing range limits him in Macfarland’s build-up play.

Midfielders: The Engine Room

Cole Palmer was Chelsea’s MVP of the FA Cup. His 4 goals included a stunning free-kick in the semi-final and the opening goal in the final. He’s the creative heartbeat, drifting between lines and making decisive runs. At 23, he’s already a talisman—check his full season stats in our match coverage reports.

Enzo Fernández thrived in a more advanced role under Macfarland, scoring 3 goals—including a brace in the fourth round. His passing range and late runs into the box added a new dimension. Moisés Caicedo was industrious but lacked impact in the final third; he’s better in a double pivot than as a lone defensive midfielder.

Attackers: Goals and Grit

Liam Delap – 8.5

Delap was the surprise package. Signed in the summer, he led the line with physicality and scored 5 FA Cup goals, including a hat-trick against League One opposition. His hold-up play and pressing fit Macfarland’s system perfectly. A breakout tournament.

João Pedro – 7.5

João Pedro’s versatility was key—he played as a second striker and on the wing. He scored 2 goals and assisted 3, often linking play between midfield and attack. Not a pure finisher, but a tactical asset.

Alejandro Garnacho – 7.0

Garnacho’s pace terrified defenses in the early rounds, but he faded in tougher ties. His 2 goals came against lower-league sides; he needs to add consistency against top-tier opponents.

Pedro Neto – 6.5

Neto struggled with fitness, starting only 2 FA Cup matches. When fit, his dribbling was a threat, but he lacked end product. A rotational option for now.

Estevão Willian – 6.0

The young Brazilian (Messinho) made cameo appearances, showing flashes of skill but not yet ready for senior intensity. One for the future—check his development in injury updates.

Tactical Observations Under Macfarland

Macfarland shifted from Maresca’s possession-heavy style to a more direct approach in the FA Cup. Key changes:

• High press: Delap and Palmer led pressing traps, forcing turnovers in the final third.
• Fluid midfield: Fernández and Palmer interchanged positions, creating overloads.
• Defensive solidity: Colwill’s leadership kept the backline organized, but full-backs pushed high, leaving gaps on counters.

This system worked against mid-table teams but was exposed by Manchester City’s width in the final. For a deeper tactical breakdown, see our FA Cup final analysis.

Final Verdict: Who Delivered?

Conclusion: Building for Next Season

Chelsea’s FA Cup run showed promise, especially from young talents like Delap and Palmer. Macfarland’s tactics brought energy, but defensive frailties against elite sides remain a concern. For the 2026/27 campaign, the squad needs: a consistent goalkeeper, depth at full-back, and a clinical finisher to complement Delap. Keep an eye on our injury updates for summer transfer news and player recovery timelines.

The Blues are close—but close isn’t enough at Stamford Bridge.