The most concerning part of Sunday's defeat to Aston Villa for Graham Potter might have been the lack of maturity from the few senior players involved in a mostly academy-infused squad for the friendly in Abu Dhabi.
Marcus Bettinelli, Marc Cucurella, Jorginho and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were the oldest players selected.
Apart from Bettinelli, whose only appearance for Chelsea came at the very beginning of 2022 in the FA Cup against Chesterfield, the other three would be favourites to feature in Potter's first competitive line-up back against Bournemouth in two weeks' time. Potter, apart from needing some key players back fit from injury, requires his senior figures to offer composure and leadership in a challenging moment.
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Although the break has allowed time for reflection and for some wounds to heal following spoor run of form prior to the World Cup break, Potter and his players will be under pressure to beat Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge and show some fight.
The injury scare for Armando Broja has likely ruled out a player that supporters were excited to see more of heading into 2023, meaning that the older Aubameyang must provide the calming presence in attack that Chelsea has so regularly cried out for.
In midfield, the most uncertain area of Chelsea's squad over the last three years, the durable Jorginho, must start what might be his swansong at Stamford Bridge on the right foot.
Although he is not alone in underperforming this season, the Italian is one of the more vocal and present voices inside the current dressing room. For all his critics can fairly bemoan his limitations, there is a player who can still offer composure and care on the ball. His frantic and sloppy display on Sunday offered little encouragement that will be the case.
Last, in Cucurella, Potter needs the former Brighton man to silence the doubts over his £62million summer signing from the Amex after failing to convince in the first block of the campaign. He has looked erratic and muddled in some of his decision-making after a bright few opening weeks under Thomas Tuchel.
Given the unpredictable after-effects of a winter World Cup on players returning late, Potter needs a bulk of players he can lean on in the first few games, and the more senior legs amongst the squad must prove they are capable of providing that.
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