Benoit Badiashile is finally fully fit again, and Chelsea have really benefitted from his return.
It has come at the right time as well, with Enzo Maresca being without Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah.
Fortunately for the Chelsea head coach, Fofana is back in training, while Chalobah was only suspended for one game.
That game was against Liverpool, and Badiashile really stepped up in his and Fofana’s absence. After watching the Frenchman’s performance, Todd Boehly may be feeling a tad smug.
Chelsea FC v SL Benfica - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Todd Boehly was confident Benoit Badiashile would become important part of Chelsea team
Boehly and fellow co-owner Behdad Eghbali gave Badiashile their backing the moment he arrived at Stamford Bridge.
The central defender was only 21 at the time and had not played outside of France, but Boehly was adamant that he would become a vital member of the squad.
In a joint announcement following Badiashile’s arrival from AS Monaco in 2023, Boehly and Eghbali told Chelsea’s official club website: “We’re delighted to welcome Benoit to Chelsea. He’s an excellent young player who has quickly established a strong reputation for himself and has a huge amount of experience for his young age. We are sure he will form an important part of our team in the years ahead.”
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Injuries and some clumsy defending at times may have caused Boehly to start having doubts. However, the 24-year-old’s recent performances against Liverpool and Benfica amid Chelsea’s injury crisis in central defence have shown that Boehly may have been right all along.
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf was shocked by Badiashile’s display versus Liverpool, stunned that the France international and centre-back partner Josh Acheampong were able to cope with Arne Slot’s attack.
Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Chelsea FC and SL Benfica
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca needs Benoit Badiashile after centre-back crisis
With Colwill not expected to be back until the end of the season and Chelsea having other issues in central defence, Badiashile has all of a sudden become an important player for Maresca.
The former Monaco man did not finish the Liverpool game, but he made a big contribution while on the pitch.
For example, Badiashile made five defensive actions in total as he restricted the threat of Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah. According to Sofascore, only Moises Caicedo (six) and Marc Cucurella (nine) registered more.
Again, Badiashile’s display against Benfica was also bright. If he can stay fit, which is a big if, maybe the centre-half will be able to perform in both the Champions League and Premier League.