Kalidou Koulibaly and Mason Mount have both recently endured spells out of the Chelsea team, being replaced by players acquired in Todd Boehly's significant January spend. Benoit Badiashile has arrived from AS Monaco and dislodged Koulibaly from the starting XI, meanwhile Joao Felix looks to have replaced Mount in the team after two impressive performances.
Felix and Badiashile were two of eight players brought in permanently in January, although Malo Gusto re-joined Lyon on loan before then returning to Cobham after suffering an injury, and that duo have arguably made the clearest impact of the new signings. Enzo Fernandez has impressed with composed midfield displays, while Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke have shown flashes of quality, but Felix and Badiashile have each made a significant impact at both ends of the pitch.
Felix netted his first goal for Chelsea against West Ham and should have also marked his Champions League bow for the club with a goal. The Portugal had numerous chances against Borussia Dortmund with his clearest opportunity striking the bar.
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At the opposite end of the pitch, Badiashile has helped Chelsea keep three clean sheets in the four league games he has started. Koulibaly came in for the 21-year-old in Europe and delivered an impressive display on his return to the starting XI.
It is possible that Koulibaly retains his place for the clash with Southampton and Potter's own verdict on his performance hints at that being the case
Speaking to Chelsea's official website, he said: "Really, really happy with Kalidou. First game for a while [vs Dortmund] but he slotted in really well, him and Thiago had a nice relationship, good experience there. He responded to the atmosphere and occasion."
"It's an indication of his professionalism, how he's trained, supported his teammates. That's looking positive for us in terms of how he's acted. Now we'll look to see how he is at the weekend and carry on his performance."
After being in the team for much of the season, Mount has had to settle for cameo appearances from the bench in the last two games. His exclusion from the starting team combined with the ongoing contract extension talks stalling could affect him, but Potter believes the complete opposite.
"He's reacted really well, as I'd expect," he said. "He's a fantastic lad, he's great in the dressing room. He wants to support the team and his team-mates and he's ready to play.
"You saw that with how he came on the pitch against West Ham and Dortmund. He had an impact, so no problems with Mason."
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