Hugo Lloris stuns, Olivier Giroud flops – LAFC ratings in loss v Chelsea
Los Angeles FC put in a valiant performance but ultimately succumbed to a strong Chelsea side in the Club World Cup.
LAFC were not initially meant to be participating in the CWC, but Mexican side Club Leon was barred from the competition due to FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules [The Guardian].
The MLS side then beat Mexican team Club America in a playoff match to secure their place in the competition.
FIFA’s decision to introduce the players individually before the game drew derision from former England international Stan Collymore, but LAFC seemed unbothered, and put in an impressive performance against their English opposition.
Despite losing, the MLS side was a threat throughout, and on another day, could have beaten their esteemed opponents.
LAFC suffer defeat at hands of Chelsea
Hugo Lloris – 8 – Player of the Match
Kept busy by the Chelsea strikers, former Tottenham shot-stopper Lloris made several good saves for his side.
Sergi Palencia – 5
The former Barcelona fullback was kept busy by Noni Madueke and struggled to deal with the weaving dribbling of the Englishman.
Aaron Long – 7
Strong performance. Long is no stranger to the big stage, having played 35 times for the USA and the centre-back kept Nicolas Jackson quiet.
Eddie Segura – 4
Shaky. Whilst Long was a rock at the back, Segura looked nervous and his passing was a liability.
Ryan Hollingshead impresses for LAFC
Ryan Hollingshead – 7
Rampaging. A left-back on paper, Hollingshead popped up in a variety of positions throughout the match and even came close to scoring an equaliser with a rocket from 30 yards out.
Igor Jesus (off for Amaya 81′) – 6
The Brazil Under-21 international was a combative presence in the midfield and looked at his happiest flying into challenges he had no chance of winning.
Marco Delgado (off for Yeboah 87′) – 5
Delgado has been an MLS stalwart, impressing for various teams in the league throughout his career, but against European opposition, the USA international failed to have any meaningful impact.
Timothy Tillman (off for Marlon 87′) – 7
Brother of former Rangers star Malik, the elder of the two Tillmans was lively and efficient, creating multiple chances that his attackers routinely squandered.
Nathan Ordaz (off for Martinez 38′) – 3
Truly abysmal. The young winger is an exciting prospect, but he missed a massive opportunity early on and looked like he wanted nothing to do with the ball after that.
Jeremy Ebobisse (off for Giroud 46′) – 4
Had little impact on the game and was hooked at half time after touching the ball just 14 times.
Denis Bounga disappoints for LAFC against Chelsea
Denis Bouanga – 4
Disappointing. One of the best players in the MLS for the last few seasons, the Gabon international had the opportunity to prove himself against European opposition, but failed to do so.
Substitutes
David Martinez (on for Ordaz 38′) – 5
Slightly better than Ordaz. Willing to run with the ball when given the chance.
Olivier Giroud (on for Ebobisse) – 2
Giroud’s biggest impact against his former club Chelsea, was failing to have a shirt to wear before being introduced as an anonymous substitute.
Frankie Amaya (on for Jesus 81′) – 5
Similarly combative to Jesus, but did not really have enough time to stamp his mark on proceedings.
Marlon (on for Tillman 87′) – 6
Was only on the pitch for five minutes and hardly had a touch of the ball.
Yaw Yeboah (on for Delgado 87′) – 6
Did not have enough time to make his mark.