It is early days for Xabi Alonso at Chelsea. In fact, the 44-year-old has technically not even started his new job yet.
Alonso does not officially begin work at Chelsea until the start of July, though it is thought that he is already planning and having conversations behind the scenes.
Despite Alonso not being at the club for long, he already has some big decisions to make, such as who is going to play up front for the Blues next season.
Joao Pedro will be expected to be the team’s first-choice striker after an excellent 2025/26 campaign, but it is not quite clear yet who his supporting cast will be.
Xabi Alonso should keep Nicolas Jackson and sell Liam Delap
Liam Delap acted as Pedro’s deputy last term, but his future has come into serious doubt with Nicolas Jackson set to return to Chelsea.
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
There could now be a scenario where Alonso is forced to choose between the Englishman and Jackson.
According to The Athletic, one of the two strikers could remain at Stamford Bridge, while the other departs.
If you are Alonso, it is a pretty straightforward decision to make. Jackson should be the one retained and Delap the one loaned or sold. The latter did not look cut out for this level last season.
In 28 Premier League appearances, Delap only managed to score one goal. He did have injuries and was not really given a chance to find any rhythm, but that does not excuse his failure to hold up the ball and all of the needless fouls he committed.
Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson shake hands during Chelsea FC v Los Angeles Football Club: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
In contrast, while Jackson is not the most prolific finisher himself either, he managed to reach double figures twice in both of his two Premier League campaigns, while his hold-up play is terrific.
The 24-year-old is brilliant at bringing others into the game. Paul Merson spoke about Jackson and Cole Palmer last September, claiming that Chelsea’s No.10 had suffered as a result of his teammate’s loan to Bayern Munich.
Alonso will not be able to keep Pedro, Jackson and Delap all happy, not to mention Emanuel Emegha could also be part of his squad next season. If one has to go, then, it should be Delap.
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