Xabi Alonso will have a much clearer idea of who he wants in his Chelsea squad by now, with the playing group in desperate need of trimming and the pre-season giving him the chance to identify the players he can trust.
Chelsea’s pre-season has taken them to Australia, Malaysia and beyond across Asia, but now that they are back home, the planning should begin to take shape. We will start to see which players the Spanish head coach wants to build around as he looks to guide Chelsea back into European football.
The player positions up for the competition has been debated. Now, with a new manager comes a fresh challenge for every contracted player, so we take a look at the four Chelsea players who have been handed a clean slate under the former Real Madrid manager.
Mykhailo Mudryk
A comeback of all comebacks could be on the cards for Mykhailo Mudryk. The Ukrainian is returning from a drugs ban and could be handed a lifeline by Alonso, who will be hoping to help him rediscover the fitness and quality he showed during his Shakhtar Donetsk days.
Mudryk has reportedly been made available for a loan move, but a potential Pedro Neto departure could force Chelsea to rethink their plans. His return gives Alonso another option on the wing, although it remains unclear what level Mudryk will be at after such a lengthy absence. A loan may still be the best option for all parties, allowing him to rebuild his confidence and form before potentially returning as a first-team option next season.
Nicolas Jackson
Liam Delap’s form in pre-season may have raised a few eyebrows, but his emergence could ultimately increase the interest in the Englishman, and given his value, a favoured option for Chelsea. That opens the door for Jackson to embrace a fresh challenge under Xabi Alonso, following his loan spell at Bayern Munich, where he operated as Harry Kane’s understudy.
However, Jackson may have another route into Alonso’s plans. His deployment off the front line during pre-season could have uncovered a role that adds another string to his bow. The Senegal international’s ability to operate in a wider or deeper position could give Alonso another reason to keep him around, particularly if he can demonstrate greater versatility and consistency.
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia has arguably been the biggest winner of pre-season so far, particularly after completing a full 90 minutes for the first time in two years during the draw against Johor Darul Ta’zim. Alonso has been full of encouragement for the Belgian, believing Lavia must overcome the mental block around playing a full match if he is to become a consistent part of Chelsea’s campaign.
Lavia could form an excellent partnership with Moises Caicedo should Enzo Fernandez depart for Manchester City before the deadline, bringing a sense of calm and control to Chelsea’s midfield.
His squad status under Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior was never in question, but a series of injury problems prevented him from establishing a consistent run in the team. Managing his long-term fitness issues has therefore become one of Alonso’s first priorities to address.
Tosin Adarabioyo
Tosin Adarabioyo could be another player to benefit from a fresh start under Xabi Alonso. The defender has already shown he can be a reliable back-up option, but the arrival of a new head coach gives him an opportunity to strengthen his position within the squad.
Alonso’s preference for building from the back and using defenders comfortable operating in different positions could suit Tosin’s profile, particularly given his physical presence and ability to progress the ball. Alonso has indicated he wants five or six defenders in his squad for the new season, giving Tosin a genuine opportunity to stake his claim. With competition for places fierce, he may not be guaranteed a starting role, but his versatility and experience could make him a valuable option as Alonso shapes his Chelsea side.
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