One of the big questions around Stamford Bridge is how their new manager will set the team up. After seeing a number of coaches use a 4-2-3-1 base over the past few years, there have been some questions floating around. A Xabi Alonso tactical decision may have been made based on recent transfer reports which hint at the Spaniard aiming to use the 3-4-2-1 system that brought him success with Bayer Leverkusen.
Xabi Alonso Tactical Decision Hinted At In Latest Transfer Rumour
Here We Go
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have moved quickly to hijack Inter’s move for Marco Palestra with the Atalanta player set to become one of the first signings of the Alonso era. The 21-year-old is a versatile defender, capable of playing as a left back or right back, particularly as a wing back in Atalanta’s 3-4-3 setup.
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This is a pretty important designation as this likely replacement for Marc Cucurella is a slightly different profile to the Spaniard and hints at a tactical shift.
What This Move Hints At
Not only is versatility appreciated with the rumoured new signing being able to play in either a back four or back five, bis his speciality being in the wing back spot is an early indication that Alonso will be looking to use a back five setup at Chelsea. While there won’t be a way to know for sure until pre-season, the shift from a natural left-back to a wing-back and the number of centre-backs being kept hints largely at a 3-4-2-1.
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The signing of Palestra seemingly marks a move from the Blues to back their manager specifically, something they haven’t always been keen to do since Clearlake Capital took over. Signing a player who specialises in one system is a good way to show their incoming coach and fans that they’re willing to back his ideas with signings.
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