Fullbacks
On the roster: Cesar Azpilicueta, Davide Zappacosta, Emerson, Marcos Alonso
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta is probably the hardest working player on the pitch after N’golo Kante. He has been at Chelsea for seven years now and the passion he has for the Blues is unparalleled.
For the first half of the season he was excellent. His performances against Liverpool in the 1-1 draw and 2-0 win against Manchester City highlighted how he can shut down right side of the pitch with his fearless tackling and positioning. The captain has started every league game and played 2,700 minutes, the most among the squad and fourth highest in the league.
Azpilicueta is a reliable right back who can and has played as center back and left back as well in previous seasons. Playing week in and week out is no issue for Azpilicueta. Sarri should have no second thoughts on starting Azpilicueta and retaining him as the club captain.
Back up right back Davide Zappacosta has never been able to break into the first team because of Mister Reliable Cesar Azpilicueta. Conte signed him because of his splendid performances in Serie A. Under Conte the right back had 35 appearances in all competitions with two goals and two assists.
This season under Sarri he has not really played much football but what makes Zappacosta a valuable addition to the squad is his ability to fit into the side. A patient and calm figure on the pitch and one who gives his best on the pitch every single time. The Italian has never been in any trouble on or off the pitch. He is the perfect fit for early stages in cup competitions.
Marcos Alonso has probably been the best left back in the previous two seasons and now the worst left winger (not a typo). Marcos Alonso is known for his great quality going forward and free kicks. Recently the left back has been an amateur on the pitch, but that only shows a dip in form and maybe fatigue. The quality is there which the league saw for two seasons.
A new season just might be what Alonso needs to regain his form and get back the status of the best left back in the league. A transfer ban would also mean that he gets another chance to redeem himself and win back the fans’ trust. Considering his recent performances, he should sit out for most of the games and take a look at where it has all gone wrong for him.
Not favored for most of his time at Chelsea due to Alonso, Emerson Palmieri has now made most of his opportunities and is the new number one left back for both the fans and the manager. It was not that Emerson was not good enough it was more that Alonso was just too good in the past.
Emerson has shown his discipline in defense by maintaining his position while tackling impressively. The 24 year old has seen most of his game time come in cup competitions where he has displayed his direct dribbling style and threatening crossing ability. Emerson’s inclusion in the squad would keep the competition for the left back spot between him and Alonso healthy and would improve both of them.