Chelsea vs Aston Villa: 3 Blues Graham Potter must start

3 Chelsea stars Graham Potter must start at the Bridge against Aston Villa

1. Benoit Badiashile

If it was not for the French youth international Benoit Badiashile, who knows how many goals the west London side would have conceded without Thiago Silva. The former AS Monaco defender has started in seven out of his last eight matches for Potter’s men. He has adjusted to life in the Premier League almost too well despite critics starting how he was not ready for this kind of football. Badiashile is one of the most composed players on the pitch, providing solidity mostly on the left side of the Blues’ back-three.

Despite moving to a much more competitive league, the French defender has always played the game at his own pace. On top of doing his part to prevent the opposition from breaking through, Badiashile has showed off his range of passing during his short time in west London so far. He has collected an astounding 30 progressive passes over the last four matches for the west London outfit.

That is just six fewer than the Blues’ most influential midfielder, Enzo Fernandez during that stretch. His ability to see what it is front of him, and execute a precise through ball from the backline adds a whole new dimension to Potter’s attack. Badiashile does not have the opportunity to show his talent in the Champions League this season, so these are the kind of matches Potter must utilize his most consistent defender since the January window.