Chelsea walked away from their first pre-season friendly with confidence in their attackers after scoring six goals, but a stark sign they have to bring in Jordan Henderson this summer.
The Blues beat Western Sydney Wanderers 6-4 in Xabi Alonso’s first game in charge, with the Blues turning on the style after bringing on their heavy hitters late on.
As the likes of hat-trick hero Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Jamie Gittens came on to make a significant impact off the bench, the youngsters who started the game began to come off.
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
Chelsea need Jordan Henderson even more after Romeo Lavia’s latest injury
One player who remained on the pitch though was Reggie Watson. The central midfielder was the only one to play 90 minutes for the Blues.
It became clear after the game why this happened. Alonso revealed in his post-match interview that Romeo Lavia was not fit enough to take part.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Chelsea FC: Sydney Super Cup
Photo by Ayush Kumar/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea fans have seen this story before, and should now be even more keen for the club to complete the signing of Jordan Henderson this summer.
The England international boasts a brilliant fitness record from his time in the Premier League, and will offer the Blues a steady head in the middle of the park that they have not had since Lavia’s signing.
After Andrey Santos‘ departure, Chelsea look a little light at the minute at the moment, and this could get even worse if Enzo Fernandez gets the move to Real Madrid he is hoping for.
How many Premier League goals will Joao Pedro score next season? 🔮
A hat-trick in his first game under Alonso!
Chelsea are still expected to try and sign another midfielder as well as Henderson, with Alex Scott one of their top targets after his excellent season at Bournemouth.
The youthful look to the Chelsea side who started against WSW was another reminder that they are still lacking experience throughout the squad, another area where the Blues are lacking.
Many supporters of the club have already given up on Lavia, and now should be welcoming the signing of Henderson even more as they look to rebuild in a new direction.
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