Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile is finally seeing the fog getting clearer about his future at Stamford Bridge as the January transfer window approaches. Rumors claimed the North London side could be seeking a new place to move him, but it turned the other way round as the club speedily silenced the rumors and confirmed their intentions.
A Promising Arrival Of Benoit Badiashile
It was January 2023 when the London club made one of its most influential signings. The signing which had the ability to elevate their backline singlehandedly. It was Benoit Badiashile, who transferred from AS Monaco to Premier League. His ability on the ball, calmness, and composure gave many a hint that he would be the next big thing in the Premier League.
However, things haven’t quite gone to plan for Badiashile. While Enzo Maresca hasn’t even used him as his first choice at the back. Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana have become the preferred pairing in the Premier League. This keeps Badiashile on the fringes of regular league action.
Limited Game Time For Benoit Badiashile
Badiashile featured only seven times for Chelsea during this term across all competitions. Most of his appearances have been in the Carabao Cup and the Conference League, rather than in the big games. Though he has been impressive in those games, there is a disturbing feeling that his contribution is significantly diminished.
Transfer Rumors
In recent days, France’s news channel reported that Chelsea’s management may sell Badiashile in January. This news enhanced the rumors surrounding his future at Stamford Bridge by causing fear among the fans.
However, Chelsea has quickly brushed off the stories. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the club does not intend to let Badiashile go. He is an important part of the long-term plans of Chelsea, and the club intends to retain him.
Long Term Plan By Chelsea
Chelsea’s hierarchy feels that Badiashile is a piece of their future plan going forward. And therefore they feel he is offering competition within the squad despite very few minutes for the team.
Playing in the big clubs, competition for places is a feature. And Chelsea keeps telling its coaches that it likes the depth Badiashile brings to their defensive options. This drives Colwill and Fofana to play their best games.
Badiashile himself has accepted this reality. During the pre season, he acknowledged the level of competition at Chelsea, saying, “We are at Chelsea, so the competition is like this. Even in midfield and attack. It is a big club, and we have to push ourselves to be the best possible. And try to do our best.”
Opportunities For Badiashile
Despite not being a regular starter in the league, Badiashile has, as such, had opportunities to come out and show what he can do in cup competitions. Typically, he has played alongside Tosin Adarabioyo in those games, who has been a regular partner.
Benoit is expected to come on Thursday night and impress his side when the Blues faces FC Noah in the Conference League. These games mean the world to Badiashile as he tries to remind the coaching staff about his potential.
The Path Ahead For Badiashile
At least for now, Badiashile stays put at Chelsea. The club has decided to keep him around and feels he has the potential. Nonetheless, that still does not mean the journey ahead will get any easier for him. Especially with Colwill and Fofana ahead in the pecking order.
Cup games and European fixtures are his platforms for now. The more he performs well in those matches, the more the manager will trust him and give him more chances to play in the league.
Conclusion
Chelsea’s belief in Benoit defines a deep commitment to a long term vision. He may not be the first option for the team currently, but the club thinks that he has the tools to become a top player.
In this January transfer window, Benoit will not be leaving Stamford Bridge. Instead, he will go on to compete, improve, and push for a place in the team. He is still long way off at Chelsea, and things are looking bright for him.
Badiashile’s circumstances are a reminder that big clubs have their own set of problems. Competition is tough but players like Badiashile benefit from the situation and flourish.
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