There were some really good performances from several Chelsea players in their pre-season friendly victory over Western Sydney Wanderers.
Joao Pedro stole the show after scoring a second-half hat-trick, while Jamie Gittens and Cole Palmer also impressed for Chelsea when they came on.
In the first half, Dario Essugo also stood out as he played his part in the Blues’ 6-4 win.
Who was the BEST and WORST performer in Xabi Alonso’s first televised game as Chelsea boss?👀
Chelsea player ratings vs Western Sydney Wanderers
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Dario Essugo coy on future
Whether Essugo remains at Chelsea beyond this summer remains to be seen. He had a good game against Western Sydney, but he barely played last season and did not give the most convincing answer when asked about his future.
In response, he simply told BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella: “I am a Chelsea player, that is all I know.”
Essugo missed the majority of the 2025/26 campaign because of injury, but there is no guarantee that the midfielder is going to get minutes in the new season just because he is fit again.
Dario Essugo of Chelsea
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Moises Caicedo currently occupies one of the starting spots in midfield, while Chelsea could sign Alex Scott before the end of the transfer window.
Ultimately, if Essugo is not content with a squad player role, he could seek a move away from Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE:Xabi Alonso may have found secret weapon in Chelsea’s 6-4 win against Western Sydney
Dario Essugo impressed in Western Sydney victory
The wise thing for Chelsea to do is convince Essugo to stay. He was so sharp against Western Sydney, and with Romeo Lavia injured once again, the Portugal Under-21 international could be needed as cover.
The way he was driving with the ball on the Accor Stadium pitch despite the terrible terrain was beautiful to watch.
Not everyone would have known that Essugo had that in his game after missing so much action last season.
Again, though, Essugo may want to be more than a back-up option. And if that is the case, Chelsea will have to either loan the former Sporting star or sell him. Essugo, Alonso and the club will all have to sit down at some point if they have not already.
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