Glenn Hoddle says only ONE Chelsea player is a ‘shoo-in’ to start despite club spending more than £300m in January
GLENN HODDLE believes only one player is a “shoo-in” for Chelsea as he labelled the mega spenders a “mish-mash”.
And that stand-out star is NOT one of the seven arrivals in last month’s £323million spree.
GettyEx-Chelsea player and manager Glenn Hoddle feels Graham Potter’s expensive squad is far from the finished product[/caption]
Former Chelsea, Tottenham and England manager Hoddle also reckons the ninth-placed Blues still have something “missing”.
Britain’s £107m record buy Enzo Fernandez and £88m wideman Mykhailo Mudryk made full debuts in Friday’s 0-0-home draw with Fulham.
But for all the big buying, Hoddle feels the sole certain starter should be Thiago Silva, 38, a free transfer recruit from PSG in August 2020.
Silva now has another new central-defensive partner in Benoit Badiashile, while right-back Reece James has returned after six weeks out injured.
And Hoddle told Premier League Productions the new-look Blues are “not quite there – there’s something missing”.
He added: “It’s difficult for Graham Potter to pick his best team. He doesn’t know his best team by any means.
“Even going into the transfer window he was still trying to find his system and balance in all departments.
“I think Thiago Silva is a shoo-in, he’s a must. But everyone else, it’s a mish-mash.
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“There’s a lot of work to do. He’s got some lovely material to make a beautiful suit but it’s going to take more time with so many new players.”
Hoddle was impressed by ex-Benfica midfielder Fernandez.
But even then he expects the World Cup-winning Argentinian to see his role change as Potter tinkers.
Former Spurs and three Lions’ playmaker Hodd said: “I thought Fernandez played well.
“He looks as though he’s going to get better and better and will probably play in a more advanced position rather than just a holder.”
GettyLONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 03: Thiago Silva of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Fulham FC at Stamford Bridge on February 3, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)[/caption]
