In the Champions League group stage on Wednesday night against Red Bull Salzburg, Graham Potter presided over his debut game for Chelsea....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The former Brighton manager signed a contract last week, but because games were postponed for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, he was unable to take command in the Premier League this past weekend.
He was forced to wait until his Champions League debut, which also happened to be against Salzburg.
Chelsea could only manage a 1-1 draw, placing them last in group E. If they want to advance, they will need to win at least two of their remaining games, but they will first play Italian champions AC Milan.
In particular, Potter will have learned not to rely on the same players who let Thomas Tuchel down before to his dismissal.
1) Hakim Ziyech
In exceptional individual performances while wearing a Chelsea jersey, Ziyech has occasionally displayed his mercurial technical talent, but he has also displayed inconsistent play from the Eredivisie.
Ziyech, one of the club’s most brilliant players, hasn’t been utilized to his full potential at Stamford Bridge.
Ziyech averaged one goal assist per 85 minutes during his final Eredivise season at Ajax, but he only managed 12 in 48 Premier League games for Chelsea.
The Moroccan has never been able to hold down his spot in the starting XI despite being a part of a Blues assault criticized for lacking creativity.
The former Ajax player ought to be moved in the upcoming transfer window because the more impressive Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are all battling for forward slots and further signings are anticipated.
2) Christian Pulisic
Throughout the entire summer transfer window, there were rumors that Pulisic would leave Chelsea for Manchester United, Newcastle, and other teams.
The Blues decided to let Callum Hudson-Odoi leave, giving the American another chance to shine at Stamford Bridge.
However, the 23-year-old currently exhibits such a lack of self-assurance that he is unable to have a positive impact on the game when he is introduced from the replacements’ bench.
Despite being a talented player who scored six goals in 1,285 minutes of Premier League play last season, Pulisic is ineligible for Chelsea.
He has displayed exceptional play at times, most notably near the end of the 2019–20 campaign, but he is no longer a youthful player whose regular dry periods of form can be tolerated.
