{"id":15820,"date":"2026-07-09T17:43:03","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T17:43:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=15820"},"modified":"2026-07-09T17:43:03","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T17:43:03","slug":"three-chelsea-players-who-must-impress-in-pre-season-as-xabi-alonso-signs-in-at-stamford-bridge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=15820","title":{"rendered":"Three Chelsea players who must impress in pre-season as Xabi Alonso signs in at Stamford Bridge"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"\"\/ Add as preferred source on Google<\/span> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The Chelsea squad are about to get their pre-season under Xabi Alonso underway, and The Chelsea Chronicle have picked out three players who need to impress quickly this summer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite Alonso already being announced as the new manager, it is only July 9 where the squad will return to pre-season, and get their first taste of what is demanded from the Spaniard.<\/p>\n

\n

The Blues will spend some time at Cobham before jetting off to Australia to kick off their friendlies, which will also take them to Asia before a return to Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/header>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Santos is one of Chelsea\u2019s most-underrated players \ud83e\udde9<\/h3>\n

Man United and Newcastle are interested.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Chelsea players who are under pressure to impress during pre-season<\/h2>\n

With transfer rumours linking plenty of first team players with a move away, there are plenty who are under pressure to immediately impress Alonso.<\/p>\n

The Chelsea Chronicle<\/strong> have broken down three players who are needing strong showings early on with their futures at the club on the line. <\/p>\n

\n
\"Chelsea<\/div>
Photo by Jacques Feeney\/Offside\/Offside via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Josh Acheampong<\/strong><\/p>\n

It seems like every big club in world football are interested in signing Josh Acheampong, however he has found regular opportunities hard to come by under Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.<\/p>\n

Alonso has already reported for the club to not sanction the sale of the Cobham graduate, although he will want to see signs of a player who can make a genuine contribution this season.<\/p>\n

Alonso\u2019s usual three-at-the-back formation would suit Acheampong perfectly due to his versatility, and it feels as if it his last chance to make it at Chelsea.<\/p>\n

Andrey Santos<\/strong><\/p>\n

Andrey Santos has asked for more regular opportunities at Stamford Bridge. Now is the time for him to prove he deserves them.<\/p>\n

Chelsea don\u2019t see Santos as unsellable this summer, but will want to give him a fair chance at succeeding after investing in him from a young age.<\/p>\n

With there still a chance that Enzo Fernandez leaves this summer, someone needs to step up and deliver, and the Brazilian is confident it can be him.<\/p>\n

Jamie Gittens<\/strong><\/p>\n

After a nightmare first season at Stamford Bridge, the pressure is on Jamie Gittens to not be left by the wayside.<\/p>\n

The Englishman impressed during pre-season 12 months ago, however failed to score a Premier League goal in the season which followed.<\/p>\n

With Alejandro Garnacho linked with a move away from the club, it looks as if there is more optimism that Gittens will succeed, however he will be under pressure to prove it to Alonso this summer.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
<\/svg><\/p>\n
Join Our Newsletter<\/span><\/p>\n

Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n