Hoddle says Thiago Silva is the only 'shoo-in' to start for Chelsea

Glenn Hoddle believes Thiago Silva is the only ‘shoo-in’ to start for Chelsea, despite the club spending £323m in January… as he claims Graham Potter still ‘doesn’t know his best team’ after the Blues’ goalless draw with Fulham

• Chelsea spent £323m on eight players in the January transfer window
• They looked disjointed against Fulham as they were held to a goalless draw
• Glenn Hoddle thinks Graham Potter doesn’t know his best starting XI yet 

Glenn Hoddle has claimed that Thiago Silva is the only guaranteed starter for Chelsea following their goalless draw against Fulham on Friday night.

The Blues spent a staggering £323m in January, and threw record-signing Enzo Fernandez straight into their starting line-up, while Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and David Datro Fofana also made their first Stamford Bridge appearances.

But the Blues couldn’t find a way through, and Hoddle believes Graham Potter still has some problems to solve to get the best out of his team, with Silva, who signed on a free transfer in 2020, the only player that has to be on the teamsheet.

‘They’re not quite there. There’s something missing there and it’s difficult for Graham Potter to pick his best team, he doesn’t know his best team by any means,’ Hoddle told Premier League Productions.

‘Even going into the transfer window he was still trying to find his system and balance in all departments. I think Thiago Silva is a shoo-in, he’s a must, but everyone else, it’s a mish-mash.

Glenn Hoddle thinks Thiago Silva is the only ‘shoo-in’ to start for Chelsea right now

Hoddle feels Graham Potter has plenty to ponder as he tries to figure out his best XI

‘There’s a lot of work to do. He’s got some lovely material to make a beautiful suit but it’s going to take more time with so many new players.’

Chelsea made eight signings in January, and have brought in 18 players since the start of the season under owner Todd Boehly.

But all eyes were on Fernandez on Friday following his £107m move from Benfica on deadline day.

The Argentine World Cup winner made an assured start to his Chelsea career, playing as the holding midfielder behind Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher.

Hoddle liked what he saw from Fernandez, but expects him to play further forward once he settles into life in west London.

‘I thought Fernandez played well. He looks as though he’s going to get better and better and will probably play in a more advanced position rather than just a holder,’ Hoddle said.

Hoddle was impressed by Enzo Fernandez on his debut, but thinks his role could change soon

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