EXCLUSIVE: Alan Smith Claims Alonso’s “First Choice” Midfield Pairing Will Strengthen Chelsea Defensively
Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith thinks Chelsea will improve defensively once Moises Caicedo returns to the starting eleven.
Speaking exclusively to Chelsea News (courtesy of Best Betting Sites UK), Smith said that manager Xabi Alonso has not been able to partner Caicedo with Romeo Lavia in midfield due to the former’s injury problems, and the pair could form a protective shield:
“Well, it [Caicedo’s return] will help them defensively. There’s no question about that. Xabi Alonso has used Gusto in there, and Reece James. Not orthodox midfielders, where they naturally played for most of their careers. I think Alonso probably sees Caicedo and Lavia as his first choice two.”
“But it’s probably sorting the structure of the team out in general. That back three, or back four as it was at the weekend, got a bit exposed; [a] mistake by Hato. They just need to settle down a bit, but I would see Caicedo and Lavia offering better protection.”
Chelsea’s defence has been poor
Alonso’s team have conceded 9 goals in 4 Premier League fixtures. The underlying numbers suggest they may have been slightly unlucky in how many they have let in, with their expected xG against having been measured at 6.2 by Opta.
However, that figure is still the 9th worst in the top flight, suggesting that changes need to be made to either the personnel, the system, or both to improve things at the back.
When will Caicedo return?
Alonso has emphasised that the Blues are being careful with the 24-year-old’s calf problem. He returned too early against Brighton last month, and he aggravated the injury, keeping him sidelined for three subsequent matches.
Caicedo has not been seen in first-team training so far this week, and it may well be the case that his comeback is delayed until after the international break.