Former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso now appears to be the frontrunner to replace Liam Rosenior at Chelsea.
At the end of April, it was claimed that Alonso is emerging as the main contender for the Chelsea job, and on Monday more reports came out saying the same thing.
Chelsea have underperformed this season, finding themselves in ninth place in the Premier League table. Nevertheless, Alonso does not seem to have too many concerns about their squad.
Jeremie Frimpong at right wing-back? Reece James in central defence? Let Xabi Alonso cook! 🔥
TalkingPoints user on Jeremie Frimpong
Photo by Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Xabi Alonso confident Chelsea squad is a good fit for his system
In the end, Rosenior could not get the best out of this group of Chelsea players, but Alonso may be able to.
According to The Independent, the 44-year-old believes his system can work with the players Chelsea currently have at their disposal.
If Alonso does become the Blues’ next manager, Cole Palmer is one individual he will need to help. Palmer is widely considered Chelsea’s best talent, but his form has plummeted this season.
A groin injury has really impacted Palmer, who has not been the same player since sustaining it.
Palmer has still scored nine goals in 24 Premier League appearances, though, which is not the worst return. But Chelsea fans will be hoping that their talisman can do better than that under Alonso next season should the Spaniard arrive at Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso could use 3-4-2-1 or 4-2-3-1 at Chelsea
At Leverkusen, Alonso used a 3-4-2-1 formation and had great success with it. Back in the 2023/24 campaign, he was able to lead the German club to the Bundesliga title undefeated.
What will Xabi Alonso go with if he gets the Chelsea job, a back three or back four? 🧐
Chelsea's potential XI under Xabi Alonso
When the former Liverpool midfielder moved to Real Madrid, he used a back four, with the Spanish giants often lining up in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
Chelsea’s squad is probably more suited to a 4-2-3-1, but Alonso’s success with a back three and the Blues’ defensive struggles this term could see him employ his 3-4-2-1 set up at Stamford Bridge.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox