These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Sevilla boss rates Chelsea highly

Sevilla head coach Julen Lopetegui believes Chelsea have the potential to win this season’s Champions League, goal.com reports.

Speaking at the press conference on Monday ahead of his side’s group opener against the Blues at Stamford Bridge, Lopetegui described the quality which exists in Frank Lampard’s squad.

‘We are against one of the teams that can win the competition in Chelsea. We need to perform well tomorrow, that’s the only thing we can do,’ said the former Spain manager.

‘They are a great side, with fantastic players and have performed very well this season. Lately they have been playing sensationally and they are going to force us to produce our best performance both defensively and offensively. We need to perform very well tomorrow.

‘Chelsea like to dominate the ball, as we do, so I think it is a match between teams who have two different types of players, but who have the same idea – which is to dominate games. That’s what we need to be prepared for.’

Werner makes team of the week debut

BBC Sport analyst Garth Crooks has included Timo Werner in his team of the week for the first time after watching the German’s fine attacking performance in our Premier League match against Southampton on Saturday.

Werner opened his Premier League account for the Blues as he scored our first two goals in a 3-3 draw with the Saints.

However, Crooks was even more delighted with how he unselfishly set up his German compatriot Kai Havertz for his first Premier League goal in the second half.

‘What really impressed me about their attacking play was Werner. The German is quick, has good feet and is unselfish,’ said the former England forward.

‘I've seen players go looking for hat-tricks when they have already scored two goals and Werner could have done the same.

‘Instead, he laid the ball on a plate for Kai Havertz to score. That's how partnerships are made.’

Ivanovic and Gallagher shine in Baggies draw

A Chelsea legend and a potential Blues star of the future put in strong displays for West Bromwich Albion as they recorded their first clean sheet of the season in a goalless draw with Burnley on Monday, the Birmingham Mail reports.

Making his first Premier League appearance since he left Chelsea in early 2017, Branislav Ivanovic was rated by the Mail as Albion’s best performer in the game, earning a rating of eight out of 10.

‘It was more than what he offered on the ball, or even in a defensive capacity; Ivanovic from the start was marshalling teammates and barking out instructions,’ stated the report.

‘Not a coincidence that he played a key role in Albion's first league shut-out - a colossus. You can see why [West Brom manager Slaven] Bilic wanted him.’

Ivanovic, himself, was delighted to be back in action in the Premier League.

‘I’m so happy to be back, so proud. I think I have been dreaming about this moment,’ said the 36-year-old to Albion’s official website.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher also made his mark on his first Premier League appearance.

‘Immediately you can see what Gallagher brings to the table - and if you were an opposing midfielder you’d hate playing against him,’ stated the Mail, who gave him a rating of seven.

‘The loanee was a nuisance, pestering and harrying yellow shirts on the ball. On the occasions that he was able to look up and pick a pass, he did so in impressive fashion. Real energy and legs right until the very end.’