Xabi Alonso watched Chelsea win an enthralling match 6-4 against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday, and he spoke about Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson after full-time.
After secret friendlies against Crawley and Bromley, Alonso watched his side beat A-League outfit Western Sydney Wanderers. A hat-trick from Joao Pedro was the headline after Chelsea went behind.
Who was the BEST and WORST performer in Xabi Alonso’s first televised game as Chelsea boss?👀
Chelsea player ratings vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Photo by Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Dastan Satpaev – officially a trialist until he turns 18 – also got his name on the score sheet, as did Dario Essugo and Jamie Gittens. The latter has now scored in each of Chelsea’s three pre-season games.
A brilliant match for the neutral, and great for Chelsea fans to see the rich crop of talent that Alonso has to work with. Cole Palmer, Pedro, Estevao, Marco Palestra and Levi Colwill all impressed coming on.
READ MORE: Why Jorrel Hato and Mamadou Sarr were missing from Chelsea’s win over WSW
What Xabi Alonso said about Joao Pedro after his hat-trick
At the start of the summer, Barcelona really pushed to sign Pedro. However, Chelsea manager Alonso pushed really hard to keep him at Stamford Bridge. Pedro is considered one of seven untouchables.
To score a hat-trick in the space of nine minutes is some going, but Pedro also got an assist for Gittens. A quite remarkable performance, earning him a 10/10 on The Chelsea Chronicle’s player ratings piece.
How many Premier League goals will Joao Pedro score next season? 🔮
A hat-trick in his first game under Alonso!
Speaking after the match, Alonso spoke highly of Pedro: “He is very hungry. He is really, really determined to have a great season. He scored many goals, but I think he wants to keep scoring more and more.”
A clear reminder to Pedro that while he is Chelsea’s Player of the Season and scored a hat-trick today, it is important for the former Watford and Brighton man to keep pushing, and to keep scoring goals.
What Alonso said about Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson
During his post-match press conference, Alonso was also asked about the potential signings of veteran England internationals Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson. The duo have been strongly linked.
First Danny Welbeck and now Jordan Henderson! What is going on at Chelsea?
Chelsea want to sign Jordan Henderson graphic
Photo by Leonardo Fernandez – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
BlueCo have spoken of needing more experience among Chelsea’s ranks. Henderson and Welbeck are a combined 71 years of age, and their additions would certainly help improve Chelsea’s youngsters.
“I am sure that until the last day that there will be a lot of links. To comment on them all will be a hard task. We need balance, a complete squad and make a good team. For that, we have an idea and plan.”
Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Welbeck, while a move for Henderson is not yet as far along. It is believed Chelsea are one of a few clubs pushing to sign the Brentford midfielder on a free transfer.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox