Xabi Alonso will be keeping tabs on the Chelsea players representing their countries at the World Cup this summer.
07:00, 09 Jun 2026
Xabi Alonso head coach of Real Madrid during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter final match between Real Madrid CF and Borussia Dortmund at MetLife Stadium on July 5, 2025 in East Rutherford, United States
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Xabi Alonso will be keeping tabs on the World Cup(Image: Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Four Chelsea stars are walking on thin ice and need to impress Xabi Alonso at the World Cup. The new Blues manager won't get his feet under the table at Stamford Bridge until the start of next month, but, in the meantime, he'll be keeping tabs on those who are fighting for a future in west London.
The knockout stages are not set to get underway until the end of June, and the final is not scheduled to take place until the third week of July. So, with FIFA keen to give players at least 21 days of rest at the end of each campaign, some could miss the start of pre-season.
The likes of Cole Palmer, who won't be representing his country at the World Cup, will have the chance to work closely with Alonso before the others arrive at Cobham training ground. Meanwhile, the likes of Pedro Neto will have to impress their new boss while on international duty.
football.london understands that the former Liverpool midfielder will work closely with the Chelsea board this summer. It's said that he and the directors are aligned on the areas of the squad that need improving, with a centre-back, central midfielder and left-sided winger among the top priorities.
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Although BlueCo will not deviate from its controversial recruitment model, there will be some tweaks. Moises Caicedo is expected to play a key role for Alonso's side next season, but Malo Gusto, for instance, who struggled towards the end of last season, needs to prove his worth this summer.
So, with that being said, football.london has looked at four players who need to impress Alonso at the World Cup.
Malo Gusto
Gusto was one of the first names on the teamsheet when Enzo Maresca was still in charge. The 23-year-old defender, whom Chelsea signed from Lyon for £30.7m in January 2023, often played an important role in the so-called 'big games', bombing down the right while Reece James pulled the strings in the middle of the park.
But Gusto hasn't covered himself in glory since the Italian stepped down at the start of the year, raising a few questions about his future. If the France international can show signs of improvement under Didier Deschamps, he could return to Stamford Bridge as the 'new Jeremie Frimpong' for Alonso at right wing-back.
Malo Gusto and Moises Caicedo of Chelsea talk during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on March 14, 2026 in London, England
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Malo Gusto and Moises Caicedo during Chelsea's defeat to Newcastle United in March(Image: Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Mamadou Sarr
Chelsea are in the market for a new centre-half this summer, but Mamadou Sarr could squash any plans to bolster the backline if he has a monstrous World Cup campaign. In January, the Blues recalled the 20-year-old defender from what was shaping up to be a very successful spell on loan at Strasbourg.
He looked set to become a regular in the starting lineup, but he was rarely given a chance by Liam Rosenior. Having not played much football for Chelsea, he'll be keen to prove to Alonso that he's ready.
Mamadou Sarr
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Mamadou Sarr was recalled from his loan spell at Strasbourg in the January transfer window(Image: George Wood)
Pedro Neto
Pedro Neto was disappointing for Chelsea last season. After helping the Blues qualify for the Champions League, as well as win the Conference League and Club World Cup, the 26-year-old was expected to take his game to the next level.
But whether the lack of rest caught up with him or he was just simply enjoying a great vein of form, Neto's performances dropped off. Ultimately, Chelsea are in the market for a new winger largely because he, and others, too, fell short of expectations.
Pedro Neto of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on March 1, 2026 in London, United Kingdom
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Pedro Neto for Chelsea(Image: Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Kendry Paez
Kendry Paez could stake a claim for a place in the Chelsea squad next season. The 19-year-old midfielder, whom the Blues signed from Independiente del Valle during the summer of 2023, will be joined by Moises Caicedo in the Ecuador squad at the World Cup this summer.
When Chelsea announced his loan move to River Plate in January, they stated he'll stay there for the 'rest of this year', possibly making him an attractive addition in January if Alonso wants a quick fix.
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