Chelsea fans spot major 'problem' with new signing as Xabi Alonso issue exposed vs Real Sociedad

An issue with Xabi Alonso's system was exposed despite Chelsea concluding their pre-season with a 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad.

The Blues produced a superb performance against the LaLiga outfit in Alonso's first match at Stamford Bridge, as Joao Pedro continued his excellent form.

Pedro's brace on Saturday afternoon took his tally to eight pre-season goals, with the Brazilian continuing to prove why he's the main man in West London.

Morgan Rogers, meanwhile, scored his first goal for the Blues following his British record £117 million switch from Aston Villa in July.

Rogers formed a star-studded forward trio with England teammate Cole Palmer and Pedro, who look in fine form ahead of their opening Premier League fixture against Fulham next weekend.

That also applies to several others in Alonso's squad, including £44 million arrival Marco Palestra, who continued to catch the eye down the left flank during the win over Sociedad.

Starting as a left-wing back in the Spaniard's 3-4-2-1 system, the Italian was dangerous going forward, offering an effective outlet down the wing with his exceptional runs.

Although he continued his run in pre-season without registering a goal contribution, the 21-year-old did show some promise with six carries, three fouls drawn and 90% passing accuracy.

At the other end, meanwhile, the youngster demonstrated his defensive limitations, as he was often caught out of position and his attempted clearance led to Jon Aramburu levelling proceedings before half-time.

Chelsea fans were quick to spot that weakness in his game and made their feelings clear on X, with one supporter writing: "Marco Palestra: looked vulnerable defensively and was exposed by Sociedad’s attacks. Needs to improve his positioning and defensive awareness."

"Palestra must be the worst 1v1 defender I’ve ever seen. This is guy isn’t a fullback. Could become a big problem for us," someone else wildly claimed.

"We need to stop this palestra neto wingback gimmick... this is not good for our health," a third said.

"Palestra & Pep as the sole wingbacks is not good enough," another posted, referencing fellow new signing Pep Chavarria, who joined as another left back option from Rayo Vallecano earlier this week.

Xabi Alonso has already explained why Chelsea signed Marco Palestra

At the age of 21, Palestra still has a long way to go before he is the finished article, but that is an exciting prospect for Chelsea fans.

The Italian has shown glimpses of his precocious talent during pre-season, but for Alonso, it's his versatility that has been the standout.

Having displayed his capabilities as a right or left wing-back since moving to Stamford Bridge, the former Real Madrid boss was quick to praise such attributes after Chelsea's victory over AC Milan last weekend.

"He is having a great impact," Alonso said. "He has a hunger and desire to improve and give his best, and in every game he is getting better and better.

"He played in a different position today, but I knew from his time in Italy that he is very flexible and versatile in his game. We are happy he is having such a good adaptation [to life at Chelsea]."

Palestra has Malo Gusto and Reece James to compete with on the right and on the left; Chavarria and Jorrel Hato are two options capable of playing as a wing-back, giving Alonso some excellent options heading into the season.