Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea are set to add another new signing to their ranks in the form of Pep Chavarria, and his attacking abilities could well hint at a formation change at Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso has personally selected Chavarria as the player he thinks best replaces Marc Cucurella in the first team squad after his move to Real Madrid.
It looked originally like the Blues had walked away from the deal after Rayo Vallecano had asked for an inflated fee, but Chelsea have done well to not spend excessive money on the 28-year-old.
Chelsea player ratings vs Juventus
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Pep Chavarria signing could see Chelsea move to a back three
One area where Chavarria differs from Jorrel Hato is his ability to influence play in attack. His average position is far higher up the pitch than the Dutchman’s.
While this doesn’t always translate to goals and assists, he is far closer to a wing-back, and would suit playing in a back three well.
Crystal Palace FC v Rayo Vallecano de Madrid - UEFA Conference League Final 2026
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The same can be said for fellow new defenders Marco Palestra and Maxence Lacroix, who has spent the majority of his Premier League career in a back three at Crystal Palace.
Alonso has not turned to a back three for any of the pre-season games so far, despite the success he found with it when in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.
The Spaniard may well have been waiting to have the perfect players at his disposal to try it, and when Chavarria joins he will have this.
Asmir Begovic's Chelsea XI for Fulham away
Asmir Begovic's Chelsea XI for Fulham away
Back three system suits Chelsea’s squad well
The system could also allow Hato to feature as one of the three central defenders. This was the role he showed much improvement in during the 2025/26 season.
Reece James is another player who the manager will be looking to find the ideal role for, with his injury history not helping his chances at playing as a flying wing-back.
It was reported when the new boss arrived that Alonso saw James as a midfield option, although he could also find himself slotting into the back three too.
The signings up to now all seem to suit a back three, and it remains to be seen whether that system will be used before the first Premier League game against Fulham.