{"id":21859,"date":"2026-07-27T11:12:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T11:12:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=21859"},"modified":"2026-07-27T11:12:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T11:12:06","slug":"struggling-chelsea-ace-is-clearly-in-xabi-alonsos-plans-after-behind-the-scenes-chat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=21859","title":{"rendered":"Struggling Chelsea ace is clearly in Xabi Alonso’s plans after behind-the-scenes chat"},"content":{"rendered":"


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One of Xabi Alonso\u2019s biggest tasks this summer, alongside Chelsea\u2019s quintet of sporting directors and Behdad Eghbali, has been to clear the deck and reduce the massive size of Chelsea\u2019s squad.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are 10 centre-backs on the books, even before Maxence Lacroix and possibly John Stones arrive. Mike Penders has returned, but the Belgian is one of three first-team goalkeepers Chelsea have to offer.<\/p>\n

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Chelsea are using Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola as a yardstick for Pedro Neto\u2026<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Emmanuel Emegha joins, and Nicolas Jackson returns, leaving Chelsea boasting five strikers hoping to start. The numbers are ridiculous, especially as Chelsea keep on adding to their already huge roster.<\/p>\n

The signing of Morgan Rogers has likely seen Alejandro Garnacho decide to complete his move to Aston Villa. Some have called for another left-winger to leave the club after such a poor first 12 months.<\/p>\n

Jamie Gittens proves he is in Xabi Alonso\u2019s plans this season<\/h2>\n

Gittens really struggled after his \u00a355m move. Still young, he failed to adapt to the Premier League after his move from Dortmund and, by January, his season was pretty much coming to an end due to injury.<\/p>\n

Injuries to his hamstrings, the first muscle problems of his career, ended his chance to prove a point. This summer, Gittens was among the many fringe players touted with a possible departure from Chelsea.<\/p>\n

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Even more so, with the left-wing role pitched to Morgan Rogers before he signed for Chelsea. But an interview while out in Australia with the Daily Mail proves that Gittens remains in Alonso\u2019s 26-27 plans.<\/p>\n

Gittens shared how Alonso has spoken to him, and what he wants from him moving forward in a Chelsea shirt. It proves that Alonso not only sees Gittens at Chelsea, but has a vision for the wide man.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wants me to\u00a0keep being positive, to keep on taking on players, to keep on creating chances and to keep on pushing myself to the maximum. He\u2019s a very nice guy. He talks to us individually,\u201d Gittens said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe speaks to us about what we can improve on, what we can do better. As a player, that\u2019s all you want. I think (his style can suit him as a winger),\u201d the Chelsea star continued, thus proving he has a Blues future.<\/p>\n

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\u201cLast season was a 4-3-3 as well with two wingers, which is always good, so let\u2019s just see. Our quality is there, for sure, as a team\u00a0and we have individuals on the pitch who can do amazing things,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Why Jamie Gittens is going to struggle at Chelsea again<\/h2>\n

Gittens will feel that the criticism of him was harsh, given it was hardly his fault that he struggled with injury. In the upcoming season, Gittens is going to struggle again, and for a second time, it isn\u2019t his fault.<\/p>\n

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After Christopher Nkunku, Jamie Gittens and Timo Werner, how do you feel about Chelsea signing players from Germany? \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Ultimately, Rogers will start on the left flank. Chelsea have failed to qualify for Europe, meaning Rogers will not require a rest and game time for Gittens and other backup players is only going to be reduced.<\/p>\n

Gittens is a top talent, one with a potential future at England level. Is Chelsea the right home for him? Alonso sees something in him but eventually, you would imagine, his future is not at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

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