Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images
Without having even kicked a ball in a competitive game yet, Chelsea’s acquisition of Marco Palestra from Atalanta is looking better by the day.
Palestra is yet to make his official Chelsea debut because of an injury, but when he does, you can back him to make a real impact. Why?
Well, under Xabi Alonso, Chelsea have been using a 3-4-2-1 formation and utilising wing-backs. On the right side, Alonso has gone with Pedro Neto, who is absolutely thriving there.
The 26-year-old scored again on Wednesday night, adding to his goal against Brighton & Hove Albion last month.
Chelsea player ratings vs Leeds
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Gusto would have trouble tying his laces ,never mind playing midfield,he's a championship player at best
Excellent so far. Once again Estevao fails to impress so no way will he disrupt the current starting 3 while their current form continues, which it needs to if we continue to leak goals
10 out of 10,what a pair to have in flying form scoring for fun,does it get any better,im not sure the defence is another story!!!
Neto found the back of the net in Chelsea’s epic 6-3 comeback win over Leeds United in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Neto is not even a natural wing-back and has arguably gone up another level in this system. Imagine what Palestra, a recognised wing-back who is used to this set-up, could do! It is an exciting thought, and the Italian already gave us a taste back in pre-season.
Palestra impressed during Chelsea’s pre-season tour, especially going forward. He is going to be a real asset to Alonso, especially with Malo Gusto not convincing right now.
Marco Palestra of Chelsea
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Palestra will also have to go down as a coup for the Blues. According to The Athletic, Liverpool thought about challenging Chelsea for his signature but had to back off because of financial constraints.
Being in the Champions League, if the Reds had a bit more money to play with, they probably would have landed Palestra at Chelsea’s expense.
As a defender, hopefully Palestra can help restore a bit more balance to this Chelsea team. Going forward, they have been amazing, but the Blues have been extremely leaky under Alonso, conceding another three goals to Leeds.
Palestra is a young wing-back. He is going to have to improve his one-v-one defending, but you would be at more ease with him in those situations than an attacker like Neto.