One of the big question marks surrounding Xabi Alonso’s incoming spell at Chelsea is which formation the Spaniard will use, and the latest player to be linked with Chelsea could answer that question.
During his two spells in senior management, Alonso has used a 3-4-2-1 system and a 4-2-3-1 formation. The former saw him mastermind an unbeaten season at Leverkusen and go on to win the German title.
What is Xabi Alonso’s number one priority as soon as he walks through those doors?🤔
Xabi Alonso's priority as Chelsea manager
Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
The latter he used at Real Madrid. It shows two things: Alonso is happy to pick a formation that suits the players at his disposal, and the second, it shows Alonso is, unlike Ruben Amorim, adept at both systems.
With Alonso set to take office on July 1, it is unclear how he will line up as Chelsea manager. Chelsea have played using both systems throughout the season, but interest in Andrea Cambiaso may just change that.
Andrea Cambiaso interest hints at Alonso’s Chelsea system
Cambiaso, 26, has sparkled at Juventus over the last three seasons. He joined Juve in 2022 but spent his first season on the Old Lady’s books on loan at Genoa. He’s had a hand in 25 goals in 132 Juve outings.
Torino FC v Juventus FC - Serie A
Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images
This is from a player playing on the left of a 3-4-3 formation with Juventus as a wing-back. Chelsea are interested in signing Cambiaso, a player that Man City tried to sign last summer for a fee of £56m.
If the interest in Cambiaso is true, then it is a clear indication of the system Alonso intends to use when he finally takes to the dugout. Juventus ace Cambiaso is one of the world’s best left-sided wing-backs.
Xabi Alonso wanted Andrea Cambiaso while at Leverkusen
Interestingly, the report from Gazzetta Dello Sport claims Alonso actually wanted to sign Cambiaso while in charge at Leverkusen. He wanted the Italian to join as competition for Alejandro Grimaldo on the left.
Nicolas Jackson or Liam Delap, which one are you keeping? Tell us who and why!
Nicolas Jackson's and Liam Delap's stats
Credit: Jonathan Moscrop/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Grimaldo was a key part of his side during 2023-24, having a hand in 23 goals and assists in the league. Clearly, Alonso felt Cambiaso was capable of providing a similar impact and fitted Grimaldo’s mould.
Now, he is in the market to sign Cambiaso after missing out during his time in Germany. It could hinge on Marc Cucurella’s future, though he is likely to go. Interest in Cambiaso is a glimpse of Alonso’s Chelsea.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox