Graham Potter is officially the new manager of Chelsea.
Having worked wonders across his nomadic coaching career which has spanned three continents and covered both the men and women's game, the 46-year-old has been given his shot at the big time by Blues owner Todd Boehly. Confirmed less than 30 hours after Thomas Tuchel 's controversial sacking, Potter has been handed a £60million contract in the Stamford Bridge hot seat.
But while the club's ballooning budget and the lavish lifestyle in west London won't present him with too many problems, the 'innovative' English tactician will face a major challenge on the training ground. For him to have any success in the capital, Potter will need his players to buy into the progressive footballing philosophy which has served him so well during his decade under the radar.
With that in mind, here are six players who he'll be counting on as Chelsea enter a new era.
1. Cesar Azpilicueta
In a football dressing room there's rarely a more important figure than the captain. In Chelsea's case, their leader is a man with 10 years' worth of experience at the very heart of the club, Cesar Azpilicueta. After Thomas Tuchel successfully pleaded for him to reject Barcelona and sign a two-year contract extension this summer, the Spanish defender will play under his eighth permanent manager at Stamford Bridge when Potter takes charge.
Azpilicueta's new gaffer will look to him to be as influential off the pitch as he is on it, having begun the twilight of his career at the ripe age of 33. Also able to play in multiple positions, a trait which Potter likes his players to possess, the 40-capped Spain international should be crucial to the Englishman's early days.
2. Thiago Silva
Not unlike how Azpilicueta will be asked to use his wealth of experience over the comings weeks and months, Thiago Silva is also perfectly capable of playing a senior role for Potter. Turning 38 in late September, the Brazilian behemoth has been a rock for Chelsea since his inspired arrival from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer two years ago.
As the Blues' defence was torn up during the course of the summer transfer window, Silva now has the responsibility of helping new signings Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly each settle into the rearguard after shaky starts. A serial winner, Potter will greatly appreciate the veteran's contribution, particularly given his ball-playing attributes and immaculate reading of the game.
3. Marc Cucurella
Turning to tactics, Potter's primary objective will be to instil his attractive brand of football within the squad. And who better to do that than someone who was his Player of the Year last season? A month ago, Tuchel and Boehly swooped in to snatch Marc Cucurella from Brighton in a deal worth up to £62million only a year after Potter signed him, and now he's reunited with his old boss.
Able to play on the left-hand side of a three-man defence, left-back in a four and most comfortably as a wing-back, the Barcelona academy product was a gem for Potter on the south coast. While he's only 24, Cucurella should lead by example on the training pitch and help usher in the Chelsea manager's playing style.
4. Jorginho
Thankfully for Potter, there's also a host of players already at the club who're suited to Potter's setup. With N'Golo Kante growing more and more injury prone, Mateo Kovacic hardly a robust option and Conor Gallagher failing to find his feet in the first team so far, Jorginho should be the Blues' linchpin for the foreseeable future.
Although he's out of contract at the end of the season, the Italian maestro can make a significant impact over the next eight months. Potter's principles should suit Jorginho's game perfectly, regardless of what formation the incoming coach chooses to play.
5. Mason Mount
Despite a barren start to the season, Mason Mount remains arguably Chelsea's most valued attacking player. His concerning tally of zero goals and assists in six Premier League games won't fill Potter with immediate encouragement, but it certainly leaves room for improvement.
A favourite under every manager who he's played under throughout his young career, the 23-year-old playmaker should slot into Potter's fluid system with ease and float around the forward line in a role which he excels. Mount's work rate and versatility make him an upgrade on the likes of Adam Lallana and Jakub Moder, who Brighton use in similar roles.
6. Raheem Sterling
Last but certainly not least, Raheem Sterling has been the silver lining in Chelsea's dreadful start. The £50million signing left Manchester City for a new challenge and remains one of the Premier League's most potent forwards, already notching three goals in seven appearances back in his home city.
The England star won't want to go into the World Cup out of form and at 27 can be crucial for his club in the long term. Potter demands an intensity from his players and Sterling learned that non-negotiable from none other than Pep Guardiola. But the ex-Brighton gaffer also knows how to spring a trap and kill opponents on the counter, a tactic which Sterling can relish thanks to his electric pace and clever movement.
Get involved! Who will be Chelsea's most important player under Potter? Let us know your pick in the comments section.
Of course, every manager comes into a new job with a grand plan, just as Tuchel did so well 21 months ago. The German was often accused of being too defensive in his approach and criticised for a reluctance to play expansive football.
That shouldn't be the case when Potter enters the dugout, though, having emerged as England's most exciting coach and being touted for top jobs since people took notice of his marvellous work at Brighton. However things go for him in west London, it'll surely be fun to watch.
