Xabi Alonso is already indicating how he wants Chelsea to play with his recruitment this summer. The Blues are now stepping up their summer shopping, and we are starting to get clues about what new boss Alonso wants from this team.
Now, we do know that Chelsea don't allow managers to drive recruitment alone, but given Alonso's reputation, it is almost certain that he was promised more control than previous bosses.
We are starting to see proof of that, too, with Granit Xhaka expected to join the club, and another could follow according to a fresh report.
Chavarria set to join the Blues
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Rayo Vallecano full-back Pep Chavarria could be on his way to Stamford Bridge, with talks now said to be 'advancing'. Jacobs went on to claim that the move was 'driven by Xabi Alonso' and that Chelsea 'want specialist LB and LWB options." Chavarria is an attacking full-back who dazzled for an impressive Rayo side last season.
The final part of that is particularly interesting, with Alonso seemingly open to playing a back four or a system with three/five at the back, depending on how you look at those formations.
Chelsea have had success with a back five in the past, with Antonio Conte having put together a fearless back five system. But back fours have been the more lasting formation in the game, largely due to the security they typically offer.
Back five systems are also tricky to get right because they rely on wing-backs who have an ability to cover both ends of the pitch, and players who are good at managing that at the very top level are tricky to find.
But it appears as though Alonso is seeking them out, with Marco Palestra set to sign to become a potential starter, and now Chavarria could add to the group, keeping in mind Malo Gusto appears to be likely to leave.
Chelsea preparing for new identity under Alonso
What we do know is that Chelsea are preparing to take on a new identity under Alonso, and it is one that asks a lot of players. Alonso likes positional fluidity, allowing players to roam while remaining solid as a unit.
Keeping in mind Alonso will want the Blues to play at a fast pace at all times, moving quickly in and out of possession, it is a hard style of play to get right, and Chelsea fans may need to be patient initially.
But too often over recent years, Chelsea have struggled to carve out a true identity like we saw under the aforementioned Conte, Jose Mourinho and a select few others. Alonso provides an opportunity to change that.
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