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Reece James sends message to Benoit Badiashile in his Chelsea’s 1-0 Crystal Palace debut
Benoit Badiashile certainly made a good impression on his very first start for Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
Graham Potter decided the defence that had kept just one clean sheet in their previous 12 matches needed a reshuffle.
Badiashile stepped into the middle of the back four alongside Thiago Silva, and the pair did enough to keep Palace at bay.
Patrick Vieira can blame a string of strong saves from Kepa Arrizabalaga for denying his team at least a point on enemy terrority.
But the Eagles’ wings were clipped at various stages in the contest by the new Chelsea partnership in the spine of their side.
Whilst Silva was his typical, terrific self, the young man next to him demonstrated his ability to cope with Premier League pressure.
It was certainly a good challenge for Badiashile, one who stepped up to rather admirably.
He received praise for both his passing and aerial prowess by Potter in his post-match media duties.
His contribution ensured Chelsea kept out their opponent for just the sixth time in the league.
Benoit Badiashile was a brick for Chelsea
As maiden appearances in front of the home crowd go, Badiashile’s was one of the better ones.
A moment he encapsulated via an Instagram post in light of Chelsea’s well-needed triumph.
‘Big win at home. Thank you for all the support,’ wrote the France international, accompanied with a picture of him celebrating Kai Havertz’s winner.
The 21-year-old received a mountain of positive responses, from co-workers past and present.
Reece James left the ‘saluting’ emoji in the comments, in homage to Potter’s latest solider added to the ranks.
Former Monaco teammate and ex-Chelsea target Aurelien Tchouameni also typed his congratulations.
‘Starboy’ was the description used by the Real Madrid midfielder for his compatriot.
Not a bad day at the office, Benoit.
