Xabi Alonso’s dream Chelsea XI with Adam Wharton and Real Madrid star in new formation
Chelsea are reportedly keen on appointing Xabi Alonso as the club’s new permanent manager next season
Xabi Alonso has emerged as one of the top targets for the Chelsea job(Image: FADEL SENNA, AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea will welcome a new permanent manager next season, and Xabi Alonso is among the favourites for the post. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss moved to Real Madrid last summer but departed just after the turn of the year and the Blues could offer him a route back into management.
Given the chaos that has unfolded at the Bernabeu, many have opted to cut the former Spain international some slack. Things haven’t exactly improved since his departure and Los Blancos saw their title dreams officially extinguished over the weekend.
According to The Mail, Alonso is the Chelsea hierarchy’s top pick to assume the role of permanent manager, with the club taking their time over the appointment following Liam Rosenior’s sacking. Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva are amongst the Premier League managers being touted as alternatives, while speculation surrounding former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has quietened down a little of late.
Should the Blues pursue Alonso, his track record suggests a possible shift in approach as well as squad composition. He has typically favoured a 3-4-2-1 formation, and we have examined the players he might target to fit into such a system at Stamford Bridge.
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READ MORE: What Chelsea did vs Liverpool that they failed to do once under Liam RoseniorREAD MORE: Andoni Iraola gives telling response to next job question amid Man Utd and Chelsea interest
Goalkeeper and defence
Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have both blown hot and cold this season and some fans may consider a different starting keeper to be a must. This doesn’t necessarily mean dipping into the transfer market, however, as Mike Penders is still held in high regard and could be given a chance at his parent club after a season on loan at Strasbourg.
At centre-back, Alonso’s arrival could spark a fresh pursuit of Dean Huijsen. The Spanish defender had been linked with the Blues before choosing Real Madrid, but may find himself on the move once more to set up a reunion with the man who took him away from Bournemouth last summer.
There have been calls for the club to inject some experience into what is a youthful squad, and another Alonso reunion could hold the key. Burkina Faso international centre-back Edmond Tapsoba has a proven track record operating in the heart of a back three, not least when Leverkusen claimed the double under Alonso in 2023/24, meaning he could provide the defensive anchor the Blues require with Huijsen and Levi Colwill flanking him on either side.
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Midfield
In the wing-back positions, Marc Cucurella – should he remain at the club – looks tailor-made for Alonso’s system. Reece James should still command the right side, though the summer acquisition of Geovany Quenda will give Chelsea the flexibility to rotate their skipper, or even deploy him in central midfield for certain fixtures.
Moving James inside could become increasingly vital if Enzo Fernandez is permitted to depart. Should the Argentine leave, it would generate resources for a marquee signing – possibly one Alonso reportedly pursued during his time in Madrid.
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton ultimately remained at Selhurst Park despite attention from Madrid and Liverpool, amongst others. If Fernandez isn’t part of Chelsea’s setup next season, the England international appears someone who work well alongside Moises Caicedo, although there are likely to be other suitors and an asking price as high as £100m has been mooted.
Attack
Alonso’s appointment could spell trouble for the likes of Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho. The manager hasn’t historically favoured forwards who hug the touchline, with Callum Hudson-Odoi at Leverkusen and Rodrygo at Real Madrid serving as prime examples of those who found game time hard to come by under his stewardship.
It could prove advantageous for Cole Palmer, however, with a position as one of two number 10s potentially unlocking the England international’s full capabilities. Estevao appears best positioned to occupy the other slot as someone comfortably centrally or wide, with the youngster perhaps seen as someone capable of producing the sort of performances Florian Wirtz delivered under Alonso’s guidance in Germany.
One would expect Joao Pedro to keep his place as the first-choice No.9 following an impressive debut campaign in challenging circumstances. That said, if previous seasons are any indication, we could witness another couple of rotation alternatives arrive at the club to help lighten the Brazilian’s burden.
Potential Chelsea XI under Xabi Alonso: Penders; Huijsen, Tapsoba, Colwill; James/Quenda, Caicedo, Wharton, Cucurella; Estevao, Palmer; John Pedro
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