Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
What is Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea? That is what many of us are still trying to work out!
In fact, Alonso himself is probably trying to figure out this Chelsea team. At times, they can look sensational.
However, as we all saw in the 3-0 defeat to Brentford just before the international break, there are also occasions when this side can look absolutely dreadful. In general, the Blues have been very poor defensively this season.
There are fairly strict protocols and FIFA /UEFA regulations to police this, so shouldn’t be an issue.
My understanding is that any player picked turns up unless his clubs medical staff provide a reason why he can't play which is then agreed with the England medical staff. Seems to me that Tuchel is trying to apply his tough love in the same way he did for Jude
Some of the individual defending from players in the backline has not been up to scratch, while there is clearly a structural problem with the whole Chelsea team. They are conceding far too many goals for everything to be pinned on individuals.
Over this international break, though, WhoScored has given a very balanced view of this Chelsea side, listing both their strengths and weaknesses based on statistics. In terms of strengths, Chelsea’s are the following:
Counter attacks
Finishing scoring chances
Attacking set pieces
Stealing the ball from the opposition
It is not a surprise to hear that counter-attacking and finishing have been strengths for Chelsea this season. Going forward, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers have been devastating.
The weaknesses WhoScored has identified are not a shock either and are as follows:
Defending set pieces
Avoiding individual errors
Defending counter attacks
Protecting the lead
As already mentioned, the individual defending from some players has been appalling and no doubt contributed to the 12 goals Chelsea have conceded in the Premier League this term. No one has conceded on more occasions in the current top-flight campaign.
Chelsea signed Maxence Lacroix and Emiliano Martinez to help them improve defensively, but they are still settling. Lacroix shone for France in their win over Belgium on Monday night, but he has blown hot and cold since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
Martinez has not fully convinced yet either, but both men are quality Premier League players who should still come good in blue.
Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images
Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images
A split of four graphic titled: "Has Chelsea's change in transfer approached worked?!" Image shows Emi Martinez, Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson and Maxence Lacroix playing for Chelsea.
A split of four graphic titled: "Has Chelsea's change in transfer approached worked?!" Image shows Emi Martinez, Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson and Maxence Lacroix playing for Chelsea.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Belgium v France - UEFA Nations League 2026/27 Group A1 MD2
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