There is never an uneventful week in the world of the Chelsea Women as the west Londoners announced another confirmed transfer on Thursday afternoon. The rumor of a Spaniard at Stamford Bridge a few weeks ago may not in fact have been the Real Madrid winger Esther González.
While the Chelsea world awaits confirmation of Ashley Lawrence as a Blue, the club introduced another more youthful wing-back. Alejandra Bernabé, a product of the Madrid CFF academy and former player at Atlético Madrid has signed a three-year deal with the west London outfit.
The Spanish international has been on loan the last two season in Liga F, and will return back to Spain with Real Sociedad for her second campaign in the Basque Country. This club always has one eye on the future while staying very much in the present. The west London outfit has been sensational at identifying young talent, and the hope is that Bernabé is the next one.
Bernabé made her first senior international appearance back in November. Emma Hayes and Paul Green both expressed their admiration of the 21-year-old following the signing. Both of the club’s leaders believe that she has the chance to become one of the best outside backs in the world.
In the statement released by the club, Hayes spoke on exactly why she signed her:
"“Alejandra has a fantastic left foot and it’s very difficult to find players of her ability who can progress the ball up the pitch on the dribble. We know she can become a top left-sided player in the future and we’re excited to watch her develop and grow.”"
Proud to be Chelsea! 💙 pic.twitter.com/0MxVvOii5P
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) June 23, 2023
Hayes has the right to believe it considering the signs that she has displayed at such a young age. In the beginning parts of last season including the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying round against Bayern Munich, the Spaniard showed her prowess on the left flank of a backline. Bernabé started in 10 consecutive matches to begin the season where she assisted the club’s only goal over two legs against Bayern.
Her creative left-footed ball put Norwegian Synne Jensen in the perfect position to find the back of the net. In far less playing time on the pitch compared to the majority of her teammates, the 21-year-old had the third most successful take ons within the team in Liga F action with 25. She was the only defender on the team with more than 13, demonstrating her ability to progress the ball up the flank with her one-on-one abilities. Her first step is one of the key reasons for those numbers. The youngster’s explosiveness and burst of speed are quite impressive. Sociedad’s No. 23 is cool under pressure, and has shown elite footwork to be able to break multiple lines.
With another campaign on loan at home, Alejandra Bernabé has an opportunity to take a step toward becoming a contributor to Chelsea Women down the line
As a defender, Bernabé was top-five in total touches on her club side in the final third of the pitch. Only forward Amaiur Sarriegi had more progressive carries in the league last season for Sociedad than the Blues’ newest addition. She tied Sarriegi for total carries in the last third of the field. Guro Reiten watch out. Bernabe could challenge the Norwegian for the best left-foot within the club. The Spaniard has experience against top-level competition like Bayern, Barcelona, and Real Madrid while being a part of a side that won a major trophy in 2021.
Bernabé was on the last team to hoist Supercopa de España Femenina that was not Barca. With her elusiveness and left foot, this Spanish international has a chance to be something special. It may not be next year or even the year after, but with the resources now at her disposal in west London, she could very well be the long term left back for Hayes’ side. Stay up to date on everything Alejandra Bernabé in Spain next season on Twitter with PoL.