Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images
Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images
Chelsea’s pre-season tour has taken a step up with the challenge of rivals Tottenham, and some players are already having to make a statement to Xabi Alonso.
The Blues got their tour of Australia and Asia off to a winning start with a 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers, with them pulling away after the introduction of their key stars.
Joao Pedro’s hat-trick papered over some cracks which had become apparent, particularly in their defending on a difficult playing surface.
Chelsea player ratings vs Western Sydney Wanderers
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Three Chelsea players under pressure to perform vs Tottenham
The Chelsea Chronicle have named three players who need to make an impression on Alonso as the difficulty of their opponent cranks up.
Josh Acheampong
One of the notable poor performances from their first televised friendly was Josh Acheampong, who was beaten too easily for WSW’s second goal.
Plenty has been expected of the youngster as he makes the step up to first team football, but under both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior he struggled to play regular minutes.
The signing of Maxence Lacroix has only increased competition at the back, with Acheampong under pressure to show Alonso he should be a key part of his plans next season.
His ability to play in multiple positions at the back is a major boost, and it will be interesting to see how he features when the Spaniard trials his three-at-the-back system next season.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Chelsea FC: Sydney Super Cup
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Romeo Lavia
After missing the first friendly due to injury, Romeo Lavia has been declared fit to face Spurs in Sydney today.
Some Chelsea fans have already given up on the midfielder due to his woeful injury record, and the club are still looking to add to their depth in that position.
Jordan Henderson is set to join, while there is still talk of a big bid for one of Alex Scott and Adam Wharton to come in.
Lavia needs to hit the ground running under Alonso and prove that his ability on the ball in tight areas is an asset he can get the most out of next season.
Jamie Gittens
Jamie Gittens has enjoyed a strong start to pre-season, scoring in both behind-closed-doors fixtures before coming off the bench to find the net against WSW.
After a rough first campaign at Stamford Bridge, Gittens is ready to make his mark at Chelsea, however faces serious competition for his place in the side.
New signing Morgan Rogers will be expecting to start after his big-money move, while there is also the new threat of Mykhailo Mudryk after his suspension was cleared.
Gittens is off to a great start to pre-season, but must keep those standards up in the face of competition for regular minutes when the domestic campaign gets underway.