Chelsea winter evaluation: The lopsidedness of the full backs
By Travis Tyler
Marcos Alonso, Spain
Life has been weird for Alonso the last few years and that is, in part, due to the change in managers. Alonso needs a set up that covers for his physical attributes while getting the best out of his positioning.
Unfortunately for him, the modern game does not have much room for either or like that. Alonso can attack and defend well, but he struggles in transitioning between the two. Given the game is so much about transition anymore, it has seen Alonso’s playing time limited.
He is approaching his prime and would surely have suitors if he or the club announced his availability. It is simply a matter as to whether he can be satisfied on the Chelsea bench or if he would rather try his luck elsewhere.
Given Lampard’s reluctance to use him much if at all, the writing may be on the wall.
Performance so far: As is expected from Alonso when he plays, rare as it may be.
Will he return next season: It is either him or Emerson. As it stands, Alonso will have the better chance of attracting suitors and he will have the least desire to be back up for another year.
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Emerson, Italy
Emerson was, and is, a false promise. Simply because Alonso was perceived to be doing poorly, Emerson was supposed to be the left back of fans’ dreams. He never really was.
Whereas Alonso physically cannot move from offense to defense in time, Emerson simply does not try to. Emerson is a winger trapped in a full backs position. He can occasionally do interesting things but he lacks the edge of Alonso and the defensive stability of Azpilicueta.
Azpilicueta playing at left back, for any length of time, is more of an indictment of Emerson than anything. The Italian has had more than enough time to earn his way firmly into three manger’s plans. He has only ever briefly done so.
The false promise of Emerson is exactly why a new left back will be high on the priority list for Chelsea this summer. The only question is who is back up to the new guy.
Performance so far: An admittedly excellent start gave way too little to write home about. At best, he performs okay anymore.
Will he return next season: If he is willing to be the number two to a new left back then yes. If not or some club pays way more than he is worth (cough Juventus cough) then his race has been run.
Next. Chelsea winter evaluation: Goalkeepers need a ton of work. dark
How would you evaluate the full backs so far? Who do you think will return? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!