Xabi Alonso has completed what Enzo Maresca didn’t manage and won his first pre-season friendly in charge of Chelsea, however that is not where the differences between the two end.
The Blues beat Western Sydney Wanderers 6-4 on Tuesday, with Alonso having the chance to check out the majority of the squad currently available to him.
With him keeping the likes of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian starting the game on the bench, the Spaniard handed out plenty of starts to young players to youngsters in the squad, keeping the majority of them on for the start of the second half.
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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What we’ve learned about Xabi Alonso from first Chelsea friendly
With the Blues looking at plenty of player sales this summer, opportunities could arise for some of the academy prospects to make their mark, even if they are not in Europe next season.
Reggie Walsh and Reggie Watson impressed from the start, with Dastan Satpayev scoring his first goal in Chelsea colours as he looked to make a statement to the manager.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Chelsea FC: Sydney Super Cup
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It looks as if Alonso is keen to give these players a chance to impress, something which a number of previous managers have been accused of not doing in the past.
The biggest difference came in the style of play. Maresca for example was obsessed with Chelsea being in control of the game, something which didn’t suit them at all times.
Alonso was insistent that Chelsea should be pressing high, and when they had possession there was far less playing out from the back before.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Chelsea FC: Sydney Super Cup
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Both Teddy Sharman-Lowe and Robert Sanchez both looked to go long when they had the ball, and in the latter stages Chelsea found success when Jamie Gittens got in behind through this method.
The Englishman, who scored in two behind-closed-doors friendlies before featuring today, and carried on that form with another goal off the bench.
This could be a secret weapon for Chelsea this season, with plenty of attention being put on Morgan Rogers after his signing.
How many Premier League goals will Joao Pedro score next season? 🔮
A hat-trick in his first game under Alonso!
The final obvious thing to notice about Alonso after just 90 minutes in charge of the club is that he is not going to sit by and watch games go.
The Spaniard cut an animated figure on the sidelines, frequently issuing instructions and encouragement to his players.
Chelsea’s youngsters will particularly benefit from this, with the manager making it clear they belong at this level as they look to earn their stripes.
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