Chelsea's New Defensive Recruit: A Tactical Game Changer

On the eve of Chelsea’s Premier League opener at Fulham on Monday night, Alonso made it clear why the club’s new defensive recruit already looks a little different to the usual English mould.

The Chelsea head coach pointed to the player’s Italian tactical schooling as the key detail that separates him.

“I would say it's probably unusual in England because, in Italy for example, it's quite common, and he has had this education in Italian football to play both profiles,” Alonso said, stressing how the newcomer can operate on either side of the defence. “It doesn't matter if you are right-footed or left-footed, just that you are versatile. So he has this option, this energy. He's something different, maybe not that common here, but in Italy it's quite common.”

That blend of flexibility and intensity has already caught the eye at Cobham. Alonso described a player who has wasted no time making himself at home in a dressing room that has seen constant change.

“He's had a great impact as well in the changing room. He's integrated really well,” the Spaniard added. “He's a great guy and with this freshness that he has brought, apart from his football qualities, he's a very great addition to the club.”

Chelsea head to Craven Cottage looking for a strong start. Alonso clearly expects his new defender to be part of the story.