Trevoh Chalobah was brought in from the cold against AC Milan at Stamford Bridge in Graham Potter's third match in charge, the defender had been a bit-part player at the start of the season for Thomas Tuchel and lost his place to Wesley Fofana once the new manager came in.
Since then he hasn't missed a single minute of action. Partly down to the injuries around him and partly down to the incredible form he has shown, the 23-year-old has been a staple across a challenging six weeks at Chelsea that has shown more about his mentality than it has his ability.
The English defender has already had to cope with being dropped by Tuchel in the second half of last season and he appeared to be on the way out over the summer as well. Since then he has come back to fight for his chance at Stamford Bridge again, and he hasn't let the side down yet.
READ MORE: Gareth Southgate has just handed Graham Potter early Christmas present with clear Chelsea plan
Until losing against Brighton in the 4-1 hammering that kickstarted a Chelsea collapse - three domestic losses in a row and just two points from four league games - Chalobah was unbeaten in 30 matches that he had started. The team's loss of form hasn't come because of Chalobah, but he's been part of a wider drop off that has turned the fanbase.
Now sitting 13 points leaders Arsenal and in a true battle for the top four, Chelsea's trip to Newcastle has heightened importance. The Magpies have been tremendous this season and have only lost once, drawing to Manchester City and beating Tottenham in the process.
Eddie Howe's men are in brilliant form and could put a nine point gap between themselves and Chelsea should the Blues fail to win, albeit Potter's men would have a game in hand. Heading into the game though there are major questions as to how the Blues set-up, especially with less than 10 days until the World Cup kicks off and injuries being a huge factor recently.
Former Blues winger Pat Nevin doesn't think that Chalobah should miss out despite his immense workload recently. "The one thing about Trevoh, I’m massively excited about him. I think he’s absolutely nailed on," he told the Chelsea FanCast. "The way he has grown, and I mean physically as well, in a very short time is great."
Chalobah missed out on Southgate's England squad as did Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but Nevin thinks there's plenty of opportunities left for him. "He’s 23. Centre-backs usually get to be half decent at about 25, 26, he’s not there yet (age). He’s good enough already and he’s going to become a very, very good player indeed.
"He’s definitely the first choice in that position next to Thiago (Silva)."
Kalidou Koulibaly has often been partnered in defence in a back three or four when fit but Chalobah has adapted to the move and slots in well regardless of the system now. Silva has his own fitness and fatigue fears ahead of the World Cup whereas Koulibaly has just returned from a lay-off of his own and hasn't hit form again since.
This creates a picture for Potter in which Chalobah may well be seen as undroppable and the keystone of the defence in the current moment and that is a remarkable turnaround for a player moved around so much. With no such injury concerns for Chalobah could also be able to focus mentally than other players, adding another reason to his growing list.
READ NEXT:
Predicted Chelsea team vs Newcastle – Silva risked, Jorginho returns, Aubameyang decision made
Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea process, Boehly meeting, James, Jorginho, Gallagher
Graham Potter provides Jorginho injury update as Chelsea receive Newcastle boost
Full list of Chelsea players going to Qatar 2022 World Cup with double omission as Gallagher in
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
