Chesea FC Preseason: Player Grades Against Malaysia XI

Chelsea remained perfect in their preseason as they dispensed with their first team outside of England. The 1-0 win over Malaysia XI was anything but pretty, but it was a win none the less.

The Blue's dominated the entire match, but were unable to capitalize until a Didier Drogba free kick was controversially ruled a goal.

The shot struck off the post, then off the back of the goalie and appeared to the linesman to just cross the line. Replay would show that it hovered above it, but did not look to cross it completely.

A display like this is not the kind of thing Andre Villas-Boas is expecting to see as they progress through the preseason. The team's touches and passes looked unsure and out of sync. The gap between the midfield and front three was too distinct at times and the populated midfield of Malaysia often was able to snub out any attempts to link the two.

The main problem with this game was the inability to create anything as a team, especially in the first half. Most opportunities came from individual brilliance rather than group work.

This works now against poor defending, but these kinds of dribbles will have much less effect against the competition they will face during the season.

It is not time to panic yet if you are a fan. Villas-Boas is still rotating players to get them all fitness and using combinations that will probably not play together during the season.

Player Grades

First Half

Henrique Hilario: B

He wasn't called on to do much in the match, but looked confident and in good position whenever play was in his third.

Jose Bosingwa: C+

He did well getting forward and playing off the midfield. Had an interesting incident where he threw the ball at the linesman. Uncalled for, especially in a friendly.

Branislav Ivanovich: B+

Back in his more natural position as center back, he totally controlled the back line. AVB should think about having him paired with Terry next season.

Slobodan Rajkovich: B-

A little shaky at times, but this is expected of a 22-year-old looking to earn his spot on the team. The Serbian pair worked well together.

Ryan Bertrand: B-

Another youngster playing for a spot. He was shaky as well, but got up the flanks nicely. When Ashley Cole leaves Stamford Bridge, he will be more than capable of taking over the role.

Josh McEachran: C

Didn't have his best game today. He looked lost at times and turned over the ball way too much. 

Frank Lampard: B-

Played his normal way, but couldn't really link between the defense and offense. Could have been better.

Yossi Benayoun: A-

The entire team in the first half looked kind of dull and sleepy-eyed, but Benayoun was awake and ready to play. He made a couple of nice dribbles and was constantly creating space with them.

Salomon Kalou: B

He is aware that transfer rumors have his future with the club in doubt. He played like he wanted to stay today, being one of the few sparks of creativity in the first half.

Florent Malouda: C-

Looked out of it today, like he did not want to be there. Occasionally dribbled a player, but never really made an impact.

Fernando Torres: C+

Got behind the defense on multiple occasions, but his finishing is still on the deadly kind he had at Liverpool. A striker has got to score no matter what.

Second Half

Ross Turnbull: B

Same situation as Hilario. Looked keen and aware, but ultimately didn't do much. 

Ashely Cole: B+

Consistently got up the field looking to get into the attack. Really created a lot down the left hand side.

John Terry: B-

Was solid in the back, but missed two headers on a free kick and corner that he should have buried.

Nathaniel Chalobah: D

The youngster from the reserve squad really struggled with the ball at his foot. He nearly gifted Malaysia two goals with errand passes.

Paulo Ferreira: B

Looked good for the most part. Got the ball up to the front line with some nice long balls. Might be on his way to re-earning his right back spot.

Yuri Zhirkov: C

Was mostly inconsequential in the game. Did not really have direct impact on the offensive or defensive side of the ball.

Jon Obi Mikel: C+

Played well as a defensive midfielder, but his touch let him down way too much. He needs to sure his ball control up if he is going to replace Essien.

Billy Clifford: C

Another player from last years reserve squad. He didn't do anything noticeable during the game. For a youngster sometimes that is a good thing.

Daniel Sturridge: B-

He was great out on  the wing, playing off of Drogba and Anelka to get behind the line. But he has to put his opportunities away or it means nothing. 

Nicolas Anelka: B+

The other day he told the media he was going to fight for a starting spot. He meant that today as he was one of the best players on the pitch.

Didier Drogba: A-

By far the best player on the team today. He outpaced and out muscled every defender he faced. His goal may have been controversial, but it was still well struck. He again proved that he is one of the best strikers in the world.