Liam Rosenior has challenged Alejandro Garnacho to translate his training-ground attitude into a starting role for Chelsea against Aston Villa.
Pedro Neto‘s red card overshadowed the Arsenal clash, adding to Chelsea‘s complications.
Chelsea set a new record of nine Premier League red cards, something that needs to be resolved if even a Champions League spot is to be secured this season.
This now leaves Liam Rosenior with an issue against Aston Villa, with Estevao Willian also suffering at this moment in time.
And all the signs are pointing towards Alejandro Garnacho being given the nod on the left-hand side, despite his struggles of late.
Why has Alejandro Garnacho been such an unpopular signing? 🤯
TalkingPoints user on Alejandro Garnacho
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho has impressed in training ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Aston Villa
Alejandro Garnacho has been given praise from his boss, Liam Rosenior (The Standard).
“We have got to take into account that Garna is 21 – he’s got huge ability and huge potential.
“For any young player, the biggest thing to be challenged is your consistency level, but he’s showing really good signs, not just in training but in meetings, that he’s on a really good track.
“He’s definitely going to get his opportunities to play with the schedule we’ve got coming up.”
His performances in training have caught the eye at the perfect time, with Pedro Neto suspended.
Finish our XI to face Villa!
Who should start in place of Pedro Neto?
The suspension of Pedro Neto has left Liam Rosenior with a significant tactical void ahead of Wednesday’s high-stakes trip to Villa Park. With Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian still sidelined by hamstring injuries, Alejandro Garnacho is the only natural, fit winger available to step in.
Garnacho’s outstanding attitude in training and his dangerous late cameo against Arsenal have made him the odds-on favorite to start on the left.
While Rosenior has occasionally experimented with Fernandez in a more advanced, wide-drifting role, the urgency of the top four race makes Garnacho the more logical choice for directness.
Having already scored twice as a substitute in the Carabao Cup this season, the 21-year-old now has a chance to silence the critics.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox