"Will either be a Rolls Royce or a Sunday league CB" - Fans react to Chelsea star's inclusion in XI for Tottenham clash

Chelsea fans took to social media to express their wariness over Benoit Badiashile’s inclusion in the Blues starting XI to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League today, December 8. Enzo Maresca named the Frenchman in the starting lineup against Ange Postecoglou’s men following Wesley Fofana’s injury in their 3-0 win over Aston Villa.

Badiashile, who joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2023, seemed to have fallen down the pecking order under Maresca’s tenure. The 23-year-old has been an unused substitute for a huge chunk of Chelsea’s Premier League game this term, having featured in only three of all the 14 league games that the West London club has played.

Chelsea are currently on an impressive run of form as they won all their last three Premier League games. A win against Tottenham today will see them reduce the gap between them and Liverpool on the standings.

Given their current form, the Blues faithful will be anticipating a positive result against Spurs. However, Maresca made a slight change to the backline by starting Badiashile, and that has elicited reactions of uncertainty about the latter’s performance.

Here is how fans reacted below:

''Badiashile will either be a rolls Royce or a Sunday league CB,'' a fan wrote.

Another tweeted:

''Badiashile is getting one eye by me the whole game.''

''Knew it! Let’s hope it works again today. Please Badiashile, do not have an off day.'' @CFCMXTT wrote.

''Badiashile this is a big game for you bud'' @MattHay84408470 chimed in.

''Badiashile please no funny business brother'' @dannwwcfc commented.

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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca on Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the London derby

Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Enzo Maresca gave his assessment of Spurs. He also gave his two cents on the criticism that Postecoglou was subjected to after Spurs loss to Bournemouth 0-1 in midweek.

Chelsea’s record at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium since it was rebuilt has been impressive. They have won the most points at the stadium (12) since it was opened in 2019 and will be keen to continue on that impressive record.

When Maresca was asked how he can exploit Tottenham’s weakness in the center back position, he said (via Football London):

"We try always to exploit, no matter on the other team or the defenders they have there. I think [Cristian] Romero can be back, so probably Romero can be the solution for them in this moment but we will see."

On his take on Tottenham’s unpredictability, he said:

"They have very good players with a very good manager. It is very clear what they want to do on and off the ball. What kind of problems they have, I don't know - you would have to be there to understand the problems. But they are a fantastic team. Two weeks ago, they beat City 4-0, so they are a very good team."

On Ange Postecoglou getting a lot of stick after the loss to Bournemouth;

"I think it's nothing new. It depends a little bit on the result of the situation, then it's fair or unfair."