Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea’s final pre-season game of the summer comes against Real Sociedad, and The Chelsea Chronicle have named the three players who need to make an impact on their manager.
Xabi Alonso’s side toured Australia and Asia to face a combination of Europe’s elite and local sides, with some taking their chance to impress the new boss.
Marco Palestra for example has really impressed when given the chance for his new side, and looks a certainty to start the first Premier League game against Fulham.
Chelsea's pre-season results
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Three Chelsea players who must impress Xabi Alonso vs Real Sociedad
Some have not yet nailed down their place though, and The Chelsea Chronicle have named three players who are under pressure to make a statement during their final friendly at Stamford Bridge.
Robert Sanchez
Robert Sanchez currently looks the favourite to start the season as Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper, although he is under pressure from Mike Penders for that role.
The Spaniard has shown great improvement in his time in West London, however has still not convinced all Chelsea fans he is good enough to start in goal for a team with their ambitions.
The Stamford Bridge faithful will get their first viewing of Sanchez this season today, and he will want to calm any concerns that he will be an issue for the 2026/27 campaign.
With Penders hungry to make his own impact, Sanchez will not want to give him an early chance to break into the side.
Chelsea FC v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Wesley Fofana
It has actually been a strong pre-season so far for Wesley Fofana, who looked at home when Alonso moved the side into a back three.
There are plenty of strong options to play at the back though, with one of their new signings set to get a first outing in Chelsea colours.
Maxence Lacroix has been signed to be a starting centre-back, with Levi Colwill expected to be at the back too when the season begins.
Reece James could play in the back three too, meaning Fofana has a point to prove if he wants to be in the backline for the majority of the campaign.
Enzo Fernandez and Enzo Maresca hugging graphic
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Enzo Fernandez
After Manchester City didn’t submit a bid for Enzo Fernandez, he is expected to be a Chelsea player for the 2026/27 season.
After only just joining up with the squad, he will be looking for minutes if he is to gain fitness ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Fernandez may be facing some boo boys after making his desire to leave the club very clear, however those supporters will quickly be won over by some strong performances.
At this stage, his future is in West London, and he will be looking to return to the form which saw him be one of Chelsea’s best players last season.