Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
When Xabi Alonso named his starting line-up to face Brighton, it came as a bit of a surprise. Changes were expected from the win over Luton Town, but not many will have predicted seven.
Emi Martinez was the biggest surprise. Chelsea only confirmed his arrival on Sunday morning and yet, a few hours later, he was starting against Brighton. He might have conceded three, but he was excellent.
Wesley Fofana started his first game of the season, while Malo Gusto played as a midfielder. Reece James started from the bench, as did Moises Caicedo and Valentin Barco. Jorrel Hato was preferred on the left.
Gusto did a job, Romeo Lavia was excellent, and Hato proved Alonso was right to choose him over new signing Pep Chavarria. But there is one real headache emerging on the right of Chelsea’s back three.
Wesley Fofana’s stats for Chelsea against Brighton
Acheampong has starred in Chelsea’s wins over Luton and Fulham. So, it was a surprise to see he had been taken out of the side for the returning Fofana, who was available again after serving a suspension.
Chelsea Training Session and Press Conference
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Fofana struggled. The France international might be forgiven for it being his first game back, but FotMob gave him a 6.3 rating – joint-worst of Chelsea’s starting players along with new signing Maxence Lacroix.
The Frenchman was not involved in a single duel, and having played for 68 minutes, that is concerning. He failed to make a single tackle and managed just 25 touches, almost half of Emi Martinez’s 49.
The clear difference between Acheampong and Fofana
While it was a slightly different game where Chelsea only had 26% possession, the difference is clear. In both of Chelsea’s first two games, Acheampong broke the lines and passed forward more than 12 times.
Chelsea convinced they have a 20-year-old youngster who is perfect for Xabi Alonso
Chelsea convinced they have a 20-year-old youngster who is perfect for Xabi Alonso
Today, Fofana did it just four times. Defensively, Acheampong is more athletic; he seems hungrier when defending, and on the ball, Acheampong’s ability to find an attacking teammate is key to Alonso’s tactics.
It was right to try Fofana, especially after two big outings in the space of four days for Acheampong. But actually, it has also given Alonso an answer; Acheampong should be considered first choice above Fofana.