The appointment of Xabi Alonso has brought some excitement back to Stamford Bridge as the Bundesliga-winning coach comes in as one of the most respected young coaches in the game. More than the fans, there are some Chelsea players likely licking their lips in anticipation of his arrival having seen how he reshaped Real Madrid in short order and built a winning unit with his Bayer Leverkusen team. In this, we’ll be discussing some of the players who might improve the most under the Spaniard based on some of his consistent ideas.
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Chelsea Players Who Xabi Alonso Can Help the Most
Malo Gusto
It hasn’t been a good year for Malo Gusto, his performances at right back were often below-par for his previously high standards as he struggled on both sides of the ball. Looking at how Alonso tends to utilise full-backs, he could turn the French defender’s fortunes around and get him back to the output that Mauricio Pochettino was getting.
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In Germany, the back five allowed for the wing-backs to push really high with Jeremie Frimpong being almost a winger in disguise and stretching the defence. Even in Spain, with a back four, the full backs often made overlapping wide runs to provide width. Whether as a right-wing-back or an advanced full-back, Gusto could rediscover his best form with this appointment.
Nicolas Jackson
Assuming he gets reintegrated to the squad, Nicolas Jackson could be a beneficiary of the managerial switch. The Senegal international excels at making runs behind the back line, often occupying defenders and opening space for his teammates to operate in.
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When looking at the last two teams Alonso managed, his striker was often tasked with just that, running at the back line and making intelligent off-ball plays to create chances for himself or his teammates. This worked effectively in Madrid where Kylian Mbappe was generating shots with his runs while also opening space for Vini Jr to move into. Should Jackson remain with the side, he could occupy a similar role and make the most of his strengths.
Levi Colwill
The Englishman is an incredibly talented player, as evidenced by the sharp improvements to the back line when he made his return from an ACL tear. It’s a bit farcical to say he is one of the Chelsea players who can improve the most but there’s evidence that this coaching change could unleash the absolute best of Levi Colwill and make him into a world-class talent.
Building up from the back was a strength of both Leverkusen and Madrid with the Bundesliga team providing a possible blueprint for Colwill. Either as the LCB or CCB he would have passing avenues that make the most of his line-breaking ability. The left-sided role especially would allow him to carry into opposition territory and play long passes out wide or play dangerous central balls.
Romeo Lavia
Possibly a controversial one as there are some doubts about his fit in a midfield pivot, but if there’s one person who could see their traits maximised in a new system, it is Romeo Lavia. Based on the available evidence, defensive midfielders have been tasked with staying close together and dropping a little deeper to provide passing options.
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Lavia’s strength is in his press resistance and passing range. By giving him four safe passing options at all times and runners out wide and centrally, he could be key to breaking through a back line and playing a pass to Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, or one of the full-backs that creates a good chance.
Featured Image Credit
IMAGO / Brazil Photo Press
