Graham Potter will have a lot to think about in his first Chelsea selection against RB Salzburg. Not only will he want to set out early indicators as to how he might have his team playing, but he will need the experience to get his new side through a tough task.
Having inherited a team that lost the first group game, and now approaching his own first-ever Champions League match, there's a lot on the line. Although not beating their opponents wouldn't be the end, it is unnecessary pressure for Potter who will already be dizzy with moving parts at Chelsea.
This could mean that experience is a go-to for his first game, much like Tuchel in his first Chelsea match - less than 30 hours after joining the club. Potter has had longer to prepare but the decisions are arguably much bigger. This will be how Potter's Chelsea are judged for the next two weeks as an international break adds further complications to the Englishman's start at Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE: Graham Potter sets exciting Chelsea target amid Todd Boehly verdict after Thomas Tuchel exit
There are also now less bankers to rely on given the late Tuchel form. Reece James, you would expect, will be on player sure to start. Thiago Silva too. Outside of that, there's a genuine reason to not be sure about much more. Even in goal there is a debate to be had.
Does Edouard Mendy's poor form have any standing in the selection under Potter, and even if it doesn't, will the Senegalese stopper be able to offer Potter what he needs from a goalkeeper? Potter was quick to move on Matt Ryan despite his good Premier League standing in order to use the ball-playing Bobby Sanchez.
Two things, first. Does that matter to Potter with Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga enough to give one keeper the upper hand, and two, is it something that we will see further down the line rather than in his first game?
These are all questions that will be asked, but ultimately, with early contract talks stalling and Kepa seemingly wanting out of the club over the summer, there is still a goalkeeping question to answer, and Chelsea might already have it.
With the £12m signing of promising American keeper Gabriel Slonina, a long-term plan has been put in place. Slonina, who attracted Real Madrid's interest, was a completed deal after initial talks being held under Roman Abramovich. Chelsea then established talks once more under Boehly to get the deal across the line.
At 18 Slonina is not the finished article but his impressive take to senior football in MLS has been a talking point as Chelsea start on their long-term plans. Compared with Thibaut Courtois, who joined from Genk in similar circumstances as a teenager, Slonina has a precedent set. It may take several more years of loan moves, with him already returning back to Chicago Fire for this season, but the rewards could be massive.
In the 2010/11 season, during which Chelsea finalised a deal for Courtois, the Belgian was 18, the same age as Slonina now, though he started last campaign at just 17. In that season, the promising keeper played 40 matches for a Genk side that would finish second, which is worth taking note of considering Chicago Fire are 12th out of 14 in the Eastern MLS conference.
Courtois conceded 39 goals in his 40 matches opposed to 39 by Slonina, but he did play in a better team. When it comes to their underlying stats, and more importantly the ones that Bobby Sanchez exelled at for Potter, the Spaniard conceded 42 in 37 matches.
The save percentages were similar, Courtois (70.9), Slonina (69.1) and Sanchez with the highest at 72.1. It is hard to compare the numbers thoroughly but it does show that Slonina, on the base, is comparable to Courtois at the same age and with a similar level of professional experience.
The most important aspect of Potter's game for his keeper is the passing. It's not something Courtois was ever known for at Chelsea, playing in sides that had direct options and playing before the influx of Pe Guardiola style risks were taken along the backline.
For young goalkeepers now it is a necessity to be competent, if not more, with the ball at their feet, and Mendy, just on the eye test, does not pass it as well as Kepa does. However, when it comes to Slonina - data for Courtois' early seasons is not available - Sanchez made nearly double the number of passes as the young American.
A note again would say that Brighton actively play from the back and involve their keeper whereas the Fire are a struggling side and are less likely to take those risks. 65 passes under pressure does demonstrate an eagerness to try more short passes by Slonina which would be important should he make a career for himself under Potter at Chelsea.
Although Slonina is unlikely to challenge for the No.1 shirt next season, with The Athletic reporting Chelsea's interest in getting a European loan for him, he does provide quiet competition for Kepa and Mendy should drastic changes be needed.
READ NEXT:
Graham Potter has already found Chelsea's next N'Golo Kante but may have to pay big to sign him
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge:
Thomas Tuchel breaks silence on Chelsea sacking with sincere message to staff, players and fans
Transfers, nurturing youth, formations and his weakness - What Graham Potter brings to Chelsea
Five Chelsea legends nominated for greatest Premier League transfer of all time
