Xabi Alonso told to make urgent Chelsea selection decision after Brentford defeat
Xabi Alonso has been urged to start one Chelsea player from now on after his impressive performance against Brentford despite the Blues’ 3-0 loss to the Bees.
Alonso opted for an experienced line-up against the Bees on Friday (September 18), with veterans Emi Martínez, Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson making the starting XI.
The Basque, as expected, fielded his customary back five, made up of Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix and Wesley Fofana, with Pedro Neto and summer signing Pep Chavarría as wing-backs.
It appears that the 28-year-old, who signed from Rayo Vallecano during the summer window, is winning over the Chelsea fanbase, with many praising his positive performance at the Gtech.
Advert
One fan went so far as to suggest Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato should remain on the substitutes’ bench if Chavarría is fit.
One said: “As long as Pep Chavarría is fit, Malo Gusto and Hato should continue warming that bench. He’s doing a good job. This team will be lethal when everyone is back and fit.”
Another added: “Chavarría and [Valentín] Barco have really impressed me, as I know what Jordan [Henderson] is already capable of. I would love to see Barco and Chavarría on the team sheet more often.”
A third claimed: “The trio of Barco, Henderson and Chavarría have shown they deserve to be on the team.”
A fourth commented: “Pep Chavarría, I don’t want to see you on the bench again.”
A fifth waded in: “I have been impressed with Barco and Chavarría. These two have really shown up. Henderson is giving us the much-needed stability and control we need.”
A sixth wrote: “I love how everyone is seeing that Chavarría is a baller. He’s a better defender than Hato.”
Despite Chavarría’s impressive showing, Chelsea suffered a 3-0 defeat, with Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and Fábio Carvalho getting on the scoresheet.
Chelsea return to action against Bournemouth after the international break.
READ NEXT: Jordan Henderson instant verdict reached after first 45 minutes for Chelsea
Pep Chavarría explains reason for Chelsea move
Chavarría explained how signing for Chelsea was a “dream” after completing a £16.7million move from La Liga’s Rayo Vallecano in August.
“It is a pleasure to be here,” he said.
“This is a dream for me because this is one of the best clubs in the world. Today is one of the best days of my life.
“As a person, I’m very friendly. As a player, I love to attack, to defend and go box-to-box. I have a lot of intensity and energy on the pitch. These are my main abilities.
“I’ve played in Spain all my life, but the Premier League is the best league in the world right now. There is a lot of quality and intensity, so I think it is the best league for me.
“I’ve already spoken with Xabi Alonso. I’m here thanks to him. He is one of the best coaches out there right now, and he was also one of the best footballers. It is an honour to be here playing under him.”
Topics: Premier League, Xabi Alonso, Football News, Chelsea
Luke Davies