Xabi Alonso is a contender to become the next Chelsea boss.
The Blues have begun the process of finding a new manager following their decision to sack Liam Rosenior after just 104 days in charge.
Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola are among the candidates for the job after the pair confirmed this season will be their last at Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, respectively.
Although Glasner is now an outsider for the role, Iraola's preference to continue in the Premier League has kept him in the spotlight. Alonso remains the clear frontrunner, though.
The 44-year-old has been out of work since he left Real Madrid at the beginning of the year, and despite being heavily linked with Liverpool, it seems Stamford Bridge is his likeliest destination.
And should Alonso end up agreeing to succeed Rosenior, there is one current player who could benefit most from his arrival.
Marc Cucurella could be biggest beneficiary if Chelsea appoint Xabi Alonso
Last weekend saw Chelsea travel to take on Liverpool. The Blues haven't beaten the Reds at Anfield in the Premier League since 2021 so knew they would be up against it.
And despite Calum McFarlane being forced into changes following a number of injuries, Chelsea put in a solid display and picked up a well deserved point following a 1-1 draw.
Interestingly, although McFarlane went with five-at-the-back — a relatively unfamiliar system — the Blues put in arguably their best performance of the season.
Marc Cucurella was the game's standout performer. The Spanish full back was crowned Man of the Match after thriving in a more advanced wing-back role.
And that is a hugely exciting prospect for everyone connected to Chelsea, especially if Alonso does end up taking charge.
Alonso has proven record of playing wing-backs
His two years in charge of Bayer Leverkusen — a stint that earned him the Real Madrid job — Alonso lifted three trophies, including going unbeaten on the way to the 2023-24 Bundesliga title.
During that remarkable campaign, one of the 44-year-old's most played players was Jeremie Frimpong.
The wing-back featured 131 times under Alonso and averaged a goal or an assist every other game.
Frimpong's stunning emergence under the guidance of Alonso saw him propelled into the limelight. His career benefited massively, proven by his £30 million move to Liverpool last summer.
And with Cucurella arguably already better than Frimpong, Alonso's potential appointment could see the former Brighton defender reach even greater heights.
Judging by his performance against Liverpool last weekend, the prospect of Cucurella teaming up with Alonso is a hugely exciting one for any Chelsea fan.
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