Chelsea 3-4-2-1 gives Alonso blueprint after AC Milan win
Chelsea’s 3-4-2-1 formation provided Xabi Alonso with plenty to consider as the Blues produced their best performance of pre-season in a 3-0 win over AC Milan.
João Pedro scored twice before Moisés Caicedo added a spectacular third, but the shape Chelsea used was just as interesting as the result. Chelsea’s 3-0 win over AC Milan also brought Alonso his first clean sheet since taking charge.
Alonso built his title-winning Bayer Leverkusen side around a similar system. The Bundesliga’s tactical analysis of his Leverkusen team highlighted the importance of the 3-4-2-1, with attacking wing-backs providing width and two advanced midfielders operating behind the striker.
Marco Palestra was one of the biggest beneficiaries of the change.
The Italian started as the right wing-back, giving him licence to push forward while Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato formed the back three behind him.
That role appears well suited to Palestra’s qualities. ReadChelsea reported on Friday that Alonso’s coaching staff have encouraged Palestra to play with confidence and freedom, something that was clear in the way he attacked space against Milan.
Alonso used Jeremie Frimpong in a similar attacking role at Leverkusen. Bundesliga’s review of Alonso’s development at the German club explained how the system allowed Frimpong to operate higher while three central defenders remained behind him.
Pedro Neto performed the corresponding role on Chelsea’s left against Milan, allowing the Blues to stretch the pitch without sacrificing numbers through the middle.
Palmer and João Pedro can play closer together
The system also created an interesting role for Cole Palmer and João Pedro.
Both were able to operate behind Danny Welbeck rather than being fixed to either wing. That allowed Palmer to drift towards the ball while Pedro could make runs into the penalty area.
Pedro’s two goals showed the potential benefit.
He headed Chelsea ahead shortly before half-time before adding his second soon after the restart. ReadChelsea’s match report highlighted another impressive display from the Brazilian, who continues to strengthen his case for a major role under Alonso.
Alonso’s Leverkusen side often used Florian Wirtz as one of two attacking midfielders behind the striker. Chelsea possess several players capable of filling those positions, with Palmer, Pedro and Geovany Quenda among the options available.
Alonso now has another Chelsea option
One friendly should not determine how Chelsea line up throughout the season.
Alonso has already experimented during pre-season and will continue adapting his team depending on the opposition and players available.
The performance against Milan nevertheless offered encouragement.
Chelsea scored three goals, kept their first clean sheet under Alonso and looked comfortable in a system closely associated with their new manager’s most successful team.
Whether the 3-4-2-1 becomes Chelsea’s regular formation remains to be seen. After Saturday’s performance, Alonso at least knows he has the players to make it work.
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