Marcos Alonso’s width is giving Eden Hazard a new lease of life
Marcos Alonso’s signature went slightly under the radar. This was solely due to the last minute escapade to sign David Luiz. While his fabulous hair draws the eye, his play has been equally impressive.
Many were quick to knock the Marcos Alonso signing. He was not a marquee name and left-back was not Chelsea’s primary worry. Given that his previous Premier League spells came at Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland, £20 million seemed a lot.
The Spaniard’s first game – against Leicester City in the EFL Cup – did not set the world alight. But the switch to a 3-4-3 has brought out more assured performances. He has less to do defensively and can flaunt his attacking nous.
Boy, does he have attacking nous. He managed 5 shots and 6 crosses against Hull City, then 1 shot and 4 crosses against Leicester. Against Hull he should have scored.
Alonso immediately became Chelsea’s best crosser, with a sumptuous left-foot. He prefers the drilled option to the looped – those being perfect for poachers. Unfortunately for him, no-one has yet to get on the end of one of his deliveries as of yet.
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Averaging 4 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 2.3 clearances per game – Alonso has hardly neglected his defensive duties. He has been all over the pitch. At one point during the Hull match he made an interception on the right wing. That is a Cesar Azpilicueta / N’Golo Kante level of work.
Alonso is no rock in defence. Let’s be honest. He is much easier to beat one-on-one than his predecessor, Cesar Azpilicueta. However, he is capable enough, and has the stamina and commitment necessary to run the flank as a wing-back.
His attacking positioning has been most impressive. This has allowed Eden Hazard to come much more central – almost playing alongside Diego Costa at times.
Hazard has been quite vocal in the media recently about where he wants to play. After the Belgium match he stated he wants to play in the number 10 position. Then, in the Leicester post-match interview, he called himself a striker.
Sidenote: The interview is worth the full watch. From how not out of breath Kante is, to the tribute to Willian.
Hazard is currently playing a combination of the number 10 and a striker. Antonio Conte has essentially granted him a free role. As he adjusts to this system he will only get better. It will lead to him taking more shots, fewer dribbles and getting on the end of more crosses. During the Leicester match, Hazard showed numerous times his instinct for running in behind the defence.
This all stems from Chelsea having a capable wing-back on the left. Alonso is naturally left-footed so can play crosses (brilliantly) first-time. He is skilled enough to link up with Hazard or whichever attacker comes over to the left, and is solid enough defensively.
One should bear in mind that neither Leicester nor Hull are particularly strong opposition, though. Alonso will face his first proper test in this role against Manchester United this weekend.
Having said that, his start to life as a Chelsea player has been a success. That he has allowed Eden Hazard significantly more freedom is worth his signing in itself.
What do you think of the Marcos Alonso signing? Will he be the key to Chelsea’s season? Get involved and let us know in the comments below.
All stats from WhoScored.com.