Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Chelsea, Alejandro Garnacho, Premier League
Jack Kenmare
Alejandro Garnacho has been named in Chelsea's 22-man squad for the opening stages of this season's Champions League, with his position being listed on the UEFA website.
The 21-year-old Argentine completed a £40 million move from Manchester United to Chelsea on August 30, bringing an end to a summer-long transfer saga that dominated headlines.
Speaking in his first interview as a Chelsea player, Garnacho said he supported Chelsea growing up because of Eden Hazard. "I used to watch the Premier League when I was young," said Garnacho.
"Obviously Chelsea because I like Eden Hazard," he added. "That's why I support Chelsea, a bit."
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Garnacho will wear the No.49 shirt – the same number he wore during his first two seasons in the Manchester United first team – and is expected to play an attacking role in Enzo Maresca's side.
In fact, Chelsea's latest Champions League squad list on the UEFA website has listed Garnacho as a forward rather than a midfielder. Jamie Gittens, meanwhile, has been listed as a midfielder.
The Blues are currently dealing with a significant issue in forward areas. They have been forced to recall Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland following an injury to Liam Delap, while Nicolas Jackson has signed for Bayern.
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Garnacho, therefore, could be given a chance in a more advanced position if Maresca decides to switch things up.
That being said, the Italian mentioned the player's ability to "create something" from wide areas as he explained what Garnacho will bring to the Chelsea squad.
"When we are looking for a winger, we are looking for someone who is good one-v-one and who can attack and create something," he said. "Jamie Gittens is that profile, and we will see with Garnacho."
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Maresca added: "He is a good winger in one-versus-one and he can create things. This is the way I see things."
Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen
Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Jorell Hato, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana
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Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo
Forwards: Pedro Neto, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Marc Guiu, Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho