Opinions
Chelsea’s £266m signings deserve role in new-look Graham Potter side vs West Ham
The footballing world took note of Chelsea’s transfer activity during the January window as Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital began their renovation of Graham Potter’s squad.
While the likes of Gabriel Slonina and David Datro Fofana were wrapped up before the window even opened and joined Potter‘s squad in January, there was further movement throughout the month.
Joao Felix arrived on loan, followed by Benoit Badiashile, Andrey Santos, Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez.
Potter has been heavily backed as he assembles his new-look Chelsea squad, but it is now time for his signings to make their prescience known as the Blues look to overcome their miserable form.
Without an away win in the Premier League since October, Potter takes his side to the London Stadium as they face David Moyes’ struggling Irons on Saturday.
West Ham will be on a high, though, having gained a valuable point at high-flying Newcastle last time out.
READ MORE: Predicted Chelsea XI to face West Ham
Now is the time for Potter to bed his new signings into the first team at Chelsea and let them build chemistry ahead of the future under him.
Badiashile has no doubt been the most impressive of the January arrivals, with the Blues yet to concede a goal since he has partnered Thiago Silva in defence.
Mudryk, who was taken off at half-time against Fulham due to illness, looked bright on his debut against Liverpool but struggled to get on the ball during his home debut.
The winger made some positive runs but his teammates failed to pick him out on several ocassions, with his frustrating display ending at half-time as the Ukraine international looks to move on with a positive performance against West Ham.
READ MORE: What Graham Potter said ahead of Chelsea’s trip to West Ham
Another boost to Potter will be the return of Felix from a three-match suspension following his debut dismissal at Craven Cottage earlier in the month.
He looked ever so impressive against Fulham for the initial 60 minutes before being dismissed and now is the time for him to return as part of the new-look Chelsea.
The British-record transfer, Fernandez, will no doubt be named from the start after a magnificent outing against Fulham just days after his arrival.
Madueke is perhaps the one signing to have truly gone under the radar, however, and is yet to make his full debut after a bright cameo off the bench last time out.
Cutting in from the right onto his left foot, the Englishman can cause damage and the clash against West Ham and a one-on-one duel against former Blue Emerson Palmieri could prove to be a great test for the youngster.
READ MORE: Joao Felix set for Chelsea return ahead of London derby
Similair to Madueke, forward Fofana looked bright off the bench against Fulham, with a highilght of the match coming as he controlled a long ball before rounding the goalkeeper, cutting back past a defender before seeing his shot cleared off the line.
With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s long-term future at Chelsea in doubt and Kai Havertz struggling infront of goal it could be time for Potter to put his faith in the former Molde man Fofana.
At just 19-years-old, he is no doubt a raw talent compared to the likes of Felix and Fernandez, who already have vast international experience, but learning from his new teammates could do the world of good for the Ivorian.
Potter must find a way to feature his new signings when Chelsea travel to east London on Saturday, with a youthful core now available for selection with the likes of Badiashile, Fernandez and Fofana all under the ages of 23.
Since taking over as head coach no manager in the Premier League has made more changes to his starting XI than Potter, and while this can be credited to the injury struggles of Chelsea, this mus now change.
It is time for Potter to figure out his best team, incorporate his new signings and get Chelsea back to winning ways ahead of their trip to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League next week.