Plenty of Chelsea’s key players participated in major international tournaments throughout the summer, including the 2024 UEFA European Championship and Copa America. How well did they all perform during their cameos abroad?
Chelsea Players at Euro 2024 and Copa America Roundup
Marc Cucurella (Spain) – 9
Marc Cucurella was undoubtedly Chelsea’s most successful international player following Spain’s victory in the European Championship final. After starting in six of Spain’s seven matches, Cucurella provided the crucial game-winning assist in the final to beat England 2-1.
He also showcased a brilliant defensive display by locking down the left flank against one of England’s most promising threats, Bukayo Saka. His amazing performance in the final capped off a scintillating Euros tournament from the Spanish left-back.
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) – 8
Following the highs of World Cup 2022, Enzo Fernandez contributed to yet another major title as Argentina defeated Columbia 1-0 in the Copa America final. The Argentine maestro played a key role as their regista in midfield, dictating play from deep while maintaining control of the game in possession.
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Furthermore, he supplied a key assist in the semi-final and led the team in certain significant defensive metrics. Enzo thrived in this deep-lying playmaker role and will most likely occupy similar areas for Maresca at Chelsea.
Cole Palmer (England) – 8.5
Although there was no fairytale ending for Palmer, Chelsea’s 2024 player of the season can still leave the Euros with his head held high. Palmer instilled hope and jubilation throughout England by equalizing against Spain with a long-range effort in the dying stages of the final.
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In addition, he provided the game-winning assist in stoppage time of the semi-final which enabled England to reach the tournament’s pinnacle in the first place. Despite not starting any tournament matches, Palmer proved to be one of their most important players and will certainly have a greater role moving forward.
Connor Gallagher (England) – 6
Unlike his compatriot, Gallagher did not have as eventful of a Euros tournament. Ironically, Chelsea’s workhorse midfielder started more games than Palmer but was dropped to the bench in favour of 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo. Gallagher’s main role was as a substitute coming on late in games to provide energy and relentless pressure.
Moises Caicedo (Ecuador) – 8.5
Caicedo’s performances for Ecuador quietly went under the radar as he picked up two man-of-the-match awards in the Copa America. Chelsea’s defensive midfielder was clearly Ecuador’s most important player, anchoring their midfield with physically combative displays akin to his role for the Blues.
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Caicedo provided an assist while making more tackles and interceptions than any other player en route to being named in the team of the tournament. After losing out to Fernandez’s Argentina in the quarterfinals, Caicedo will hope to bounce back alongside his midfield partner for Chelsea next season.
Kendry Paez (Ecuador) – 7
Although Paez is still too young to officially join Chelsea, the 17-year-old displayed very promising performances for the Ecuadorian national team. Paez scored a penalty and consistently showed glimpses of his attacking creativity after starting every game. At such a young age, Paez presents remarkable maturity that allowed him to hold his own in such a physically demanding Copa America.
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) – 7
Lukaku’s Euros experience was notoriously ridiculed by misfortune after three of his goals were disallowed by VAR. He still managed to pick up an assist in the group stages, but Belgium’s all-time leading goal scorer left the tournament with a frustrating drought in front of goal.
Mykhailo Mudryk (Ukraine) – 6
Despite not registering either a goal or an assist, Mudryk was often Ukraine’s brightest attacking spark. Misha constantly threatened in behind the opposition with his blistering pace and carried the ball effectively, but his end product must become more consistently prolific in order to unlock his true potential.
Armando Broja (Albania) – 4
Broja simply had a disappointing showing at the Euros. After starting his first match, he did not pose a threat and was subsequently dropped to the bench for the remainder of the tournament. His horrific ACL injury from the 2023/24 season evidently worsened his form, and it’s rumoured that he could be on his way out with top clubs still interested.
Djordje Petrovic (Serbia) – N/A
Petrovic was a part of Serbia’s squad for the Euros but did not feature.
