Chelsea are expecting significant changes once Xabi Alonso officially arrives at Stamford Bridge.
The Spaniard has quickly developed a reputation as one of the most tactically innovative young managers in Europe following his work at Bayer Leverkusen, where his flexible system transformed the club during a period that saw them win three major trophies, including the 2023-24 Bundesliga.
That tactical flexibility could become hugely important at Chelsea, because although the squad looks imbalanced in areas, there are also several players who could thrive in Alonso’s fluid and exciting system.
And for one player in particular, Alonso's impending arrival could see him become a hugely important player despite not yet playing for the club.
Geovany Quenda set for exciting role under Xabi Alonso
Geovany Quenda already looks like one of the more exciting signings Chelsea have made under BlueCo. The 19-year-old will join the Blues from Sporting Lisbon at the end of the season following an agreement last year worth £40 million.
During his time at Leverkusen, Alonso regularly used an extremely fluid system which often shifted between a back four and a back five depending on the phase of play. That tactical setup relied heavily on wide players being comfortable operating across multiple roles during the same game.
That is exactly what made Jeremie Frimpong so devastating under Alonso and what ultimately led to his big money transfer to Liverpool last summer.
Frimpong frequently alternated between full-back, wing-back and outright winger depending on the situation, often hugging the touchline high up the pitch before quickly dropping deeper when Leverkusen's opposition won possession.
On the face of it, Quenda seems to possess many of the same qualities Frimpong has, and with a little guidance, could perform in the same role the Dutchman did during his time in Germany.
The Sporting Lisbon teenager is explosive athletically, aggressive in one-vs-one situations and comfortable receiving the ball in advanced wide positions. At the same time, he also has the work-rate and physical profile required to operate deeper when needed.
That level of energy and versatility could make him one of Alonso’s most important players despite the youngster not yet kicking a ball in the fierecly competitive Premier League.
Pedro Neto will need to prove worth
While Alonso’s arrival will benefit some, it will also create problems for others, and Pedro Neto may be one of the less fortunate players.
Recent reports claim Chelsea are interested in signing Jarrod Bowen to provide competition for the side's wingers, and because the West Ham captain plays on the right side, it suggests the club no longer have full confidence in Neto.
While Neto remains a dangerous player in open space, Alonso’s trademark system puts huge emphasis on wide players both physically and positionally.
The 44-year-old not only expects a lot of movement and discipline from his players, but he also demands it alongside intensity without the ball, and that's going to be a challenge for an attack-minded player like Neto.
A fresh faced youngster like Quenda will be easily mouldable, though, and with enthusiasm on his side, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Alonso concertrate on developing the Portuguese starlet.
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