Chelsea signing Marcos Alonso adds versatility to side

Chelsea have announced their fourth signing of the transfer window. Marcos Alonso joins the three other Spaniards currently at the club (does Diego Costa count?).

Chelsea have paid Fiorentina £22.75 million to acquire the services of versatile full-back Marcos Alonso. Having previously played for Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland, he offers Premier League experience. Also, being the former teammate of Gary Cahill will help him re-adapt.

Over the course of the summer, Chelsea have been linked with (almost) every Serie A defender. The interest in Alonso sprung up over the past week and the Blues have managed to complete the transfer on Transfer Deadline Day.

In 25 appearances in the Premier League the Spaniard has scored one goal, creating two assists.

Producing underwhelming performances for struggling sides Bolton and Sunderland may lead fans to question the signing. However, over the past two seasons he has made considerable strides in his game.

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Lanky but fluid, Alonso offers an outlet on the left wing – stout in defense while always willing to overlap.

With a luscious head of hair and a marquee grin. In his first interview he stated “It’s time for me to win some titles”. What’s not to like?

Two games into the Serie A season he has played at CB and left midfield. A man of the match performance while in the centre of defense proves his instincts while protecting his own goal.

Fiorentina play three at the back, a well reported favourite formation of Antonio Conte. He can play in a back three, at left-back and left-midfield. Conte will love the option of using him anywhere.

The question of Alonso’s signature is – what does this mean for the likes of Baba Rahman, Nathan Ake and Kenedy? All play similar roles for their teams, Conte obviously feels Alonso is more experienced and solid defensively.

He is 26 in December, the others are all under 22. Chelsea could play Alonso for the 3-4 years in his prime and by that point the others will be ready to slot in the side. Especially considering they will all be loaned out to another 43 clubs during that period.

The sensible thing for Conte to do is drop Branislav Ivanovic – as he should – and move Cesar Azpilicueta back over to the right, leaving Marcos Alonso in possession of the LB position.

With a wonderful left-foot and tremendous dead-ball striking, he certainly offers something different.

Chelsea are about to be a force to be reckoned with over set-pieces, and in the hair department.