Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell picked up an assist as the Blues progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Cup after a hard-fought 2-0 win over Sheffield United yesterday.
It wasn’t a vintage performance from Thomas Tuchel‘s side but Chilwell played an important role in securing the win, by delivering the cross for Hakim Ziyech to score the team’s second in injury time.
Chilwell’s £50m price tag means he has come in for some criticism after a drop in form in recent weeks, and many fans on Twitter think his display against the Blades should provide an answer to his critics:
Great defensive performance
— Lampardinho (@CFC_Lampardinho) March 21, 2021
He gets way too much stick because of his price tag, which was obviously inflated due to buying from a direct rival, he's also been fighting out of a bad patch of form, but by no means is he a flop, Chelsea FT has been unreasonably harsh on the new signings
— R_eGo (@R_egoRay) March 21, 2021
Not a bad outing from Chilly today! #CFC
— Chris CFC Harvey (@CJHCFC1994) March 21, 2021
My LB ??? pic.twitter.com/oacU5JQWUw
— CFC steven? (@stevenchilwell) March 21, 2021
he's my Man of the match.
— BlueSoldiersFC ?? (@BlueSoldiersFC) March 21, 2021
good performance ?? https://t.co/n9zwqqNxsA
— َ (@couttsy15) March 21, 2021
Idk why he's been scapegoated so much recently tbh. Sure he'd be better as an out and out left back but he's still great all round.
— Jake (@JBusterBarnes) March 21, 2021
It has been a difficult period for Chilwell, and it must be pointed out that the wingback role he is being asked to play by Tuchel doesn’t completely fit his best qualities.
Even so, the fullback’s two goals and six assists in 29 appearances this season is not a bad return whatsoever.