3 Chelsea fringe players turn fan criticism on its head with good performances against Leicester | OneFootball

We expected this to be an interesting game in terms of selection for Enzo Maresca – his team came straight off an international break into a 12.30 kick off, so things were bound to get funky.

Nevertheless, it was still quite surprising to see some of the names on the teamsheet. There were no real hints that Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto weren’t going to be able to play; but neither were in the squad. Meanwhile it was assumed that either Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo wouldn’t start the game after travelling back late from South America – but both were in from the start.

It meant chances through the team for a number of new players, and they all did well with them.

Joao Felix dances beyond a Leicester defender. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Much maligned trio make big statements

Looking at fan sentiment online, there were very positive reactions all around for some of the players who came into the team today. Enzo of course got a goal and an assist to celebrate a first league start in a while; but other players made more subtle contributions.

Joao Felix has been pushing for a first Premier League start and got the nod today. We all know what he can do on the ball, but the questions are always about his efforts off it. Today he showed how good he can be when he puts a shift in, and his defensive work rate was excellent.

It was a similar story for Benoit Badiashile – much maligned by fans after some stinkers. His left sided hybrid full back – centre back role suited him really well, and he kept the dangerous Jamie Vardy very quiet.

So all around a good audition for the trio, vitally important with so many games around the corner in the weeks to come.