It will be very interesting to see what the Chelsea pecking order looks like when Xabi Alonso comes in. Every manager has their own way of doing things. As a result, there are some key players who might slip down a few rungs. On the other hand, there are others who might seem out of the first-team fold right now but could be back in the mix.
Alonso will be looking to pick a few leaders who can lead this inexperienced group next season. Of course, they are expected to sign a few starting-level players in the summer window. But at the same time, there have be to some from the current crop of players as well.
In fact, it looks like there are five names on Alonso’s mind already. And one of them is not even a regular contributor at this point in time.
According to MARCA, Alonso already has some first indications on which players he can trust and on whom he can rely in terms of leadership and positive behaviour as an example for the rest of the group. They are Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Tosin Adarabioyo and Enzo Fernandez.
Alonso views Tosin as a leader
Four of those five players are regular starters for Chelsea. Tosin is the one who is not. The defender had started the campaign as the first-choice centre-back, following Levi Colwill’s injury. But since the beginning of October, he has made just four starts in the Premier League.
He has spent most of his time sitting on the bench as an unused substitute or coming on late in order to shore up the defence. Yet, it looks like he is someone that Alonso sees as a part of his leadership group.
Of course, it is worth pointing out that Tosin is 28 years of age. He is one of the few players in the squad with a decent level of experience, even if he has not been a world-class player. So, perhaps Alonso sees him as someone who can be a strong voice in the dressing room rather than someone would be expected to play a regular role on the pitch.
Both Fernandez and Cucurella could leave Chelsea this summer
Let’s also not overlook the fact that the future of two of those five players is in doubt. Both Fernandez and Cucurella have been linked with moves away.
Real Madrid have had an eye on Fernandez for years. And with Enzo Maresca set to become Man City manager, a reunion there cannot be ruled out either. It is the Italian under whose watch the Argentine midfielder developed his output which is earning him so many plaudits right now.
On the other hand, it has been suggested that Cucurella could be on his way back to Barcelona, his boyhood club. Atletico Madrid are a possible destination as well.
But Alonso is believed to be keen on keeping both Cucurella and Fernandez. Let’s see if his arrival as manager is able to convince them that Chelsea is the place to be.
Sourav Mahanty
Sourav Mahanty has covered teams like Chelsea, Celtic, Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG and more over a career that has now lasted a decade. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Athlon Sports, SB Nation, FanSided, The Sportster and aggregated through Bleacher Report and NewsNow. Outside of football, he is also interested in basketball, cricket and professional wrestling.
View all articles →