Benoît Badiashile

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

As Chelsea languish in 10th place with just one win from their last five matches (LWDLL), Stamford Bridge aches for the return of their defensive cornerstone. Benoît Badiashile—the 24-year-old French colossus—has been conspicuous by his absence since mid-December, sidelined with a muscle injury that has exposed the fragility of Enzo Maresca's backline. Signed from Monaco on a long-term deal stretching to 2030, the 194cm left-footed centre-back had featured 14 times this season for 982 minutes before the setback, bringing the aerial dominance and modern ball-playing composure that his €25 million valuation reflects. While his stat sheet reads zero goals and assists—a defender's remit—his three yellow cards hint at the combative edge Chelsea currently lack. With the Blues leaking points and Tosin Adarabioyo struggling to fill the void, Maresca's treatment table holds the key to steadying a ship taking on water. When Badiashile returns, Chelsea regain not just a centre-back, but the commanding presence their chaotic campaign desperately craves.