Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Xabi Alonso will have learnt plenty from Sunday afternoon’s enthralling 3-3 draw with Malaysian champions JDT, as Liam Delap sent a clear message to the Spanish gaffer.
In the fifth and final pre-season friendly of the summer tour of Australia and Asia, Chelsea took on Johor Darul Ta’zim. A side that has won the Malaysian Super League 12 times in a row since 2014.
Alonso made 11 changes from the XI that beat Milan on Saturday, a resounding 3-0 win. He named a mix of youngsters and fringe players, and it resulted in a close-fought goal frenzy, ending three each.
Below, we consider the winners and the losers from Sunday’s 3-3 draw, as Chelsea now return home before facing Alonso’s old side Real Sociedad on Saturday. Liam Delap was certainly among the winners.
Four winners from Chelsea’s draw with JDT
Liam Delap
It wasn’t just Delap’s two goals from penalties, one of which he won, but he held the ball up superbly for Chelsea. A lung-busting performance, manning both centre-backs. One of his best displays for Chelsea.
Nicolas Jackson
Jackson started his first game this summer, having made substitute appearances against Juventus and Milan. The Senegal international was not his fluent best but linked the play well, sitting behind Delap.
Chelsea FC v Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C. - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Tayo Subuloye
A surprise inclusion in the starting line-up, Subuloye replaced Mamadou Sarr at the last minute after Sarr had been named in the confirmed XI. Didn’t look out of place; held his own despite changing positions.
Reggie Watson
Watson might have thought his involvement in the pre-season tour was over, but he entered the fray on 30 minutes in the unusual role of right-sided centre-back. He impressed, showing Alonso his versatility.
Honourable mentions include Geovany Quenda, who impressed Chelsea fans, while Gabriel Slonina made a top save when Shabab Zahedi was put through on goal. Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli started in midfield again.
Chelsea's potential XI for cup games
Chelsea's potential XI for cup games
Four losers from Chelsea’s draw with JDT
Aaron Anselmino
The obvious one is the Argentine defender. Riddled by hamstring injuries on loan over the last 12 months, he got his first start of the summer but picked up another injury, missing the chance to impress Alonso.
Chelsea Pre-Season Tour to Indonesia
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Dario Essugo
After Romeo Lavia impressed against Milan, Essugo needed to remind Alonso what he can do. He wore the captain’s armband, but he was to blame for JDT’s third goal and often conceded possession.
Mamadou Sarr
A frustrating summer for Sarr. His only outing of note came against Juventus, as well as late outings in the games against Milan and Spurs. He was in the XI, but was robbed of his big chance to impress Alonso.
Jamie Gittens
Gittens has been brilliant this summer. But if he is to get a chance under Alonso, he needs to show he can play in different positions. Today, he played as a wing-back, but he really struggled to shine on the left.
Not the best days either for Tosin Adarabioyo or Estevao, though Tosin showed his leadership when it got heated and Estevao had his moments. Ultimately, a mixed bag, but a game Alonso will take plenty from.