The recent friendly match between Chelsea and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in Malaysia has left Xabi Alonso with a lot to ponder as he prepares for the upcoming Premier League season. The game, which ended in a draw, highlighted several issues that the new manager needs to address.
One of the most striking aspects of the match was the abundance of forwards at Chelsea's disposal. With players like Estêvão Willian, Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, João Pedro, Danny Welbeck, and Marc Guiu, Alonso has a wealth of attacking options. However, this also means that competition for starting spots will be fierce, and the manager will need to carefully manage the squad to ensure that everyone stays fit and motivated.
The match also revealed some of the challenges that Alonso will face in his first season as a manager. The JDT team, known for their fierce passion and aggressive football, took the game to Chelsea and caused them several problems. The visitors failed to keep their tempers in check, with several players being booked for dissent and unnecessary challenges. This is a concern, given that Chelsea received 11 red cards last season, which is twice as many as any other side and a club record.
The match also highlighted the importance of the wingers in Chelsea's attack. Mykhailo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers all played important roles in the game, and their ability to create chances and score goals will be crucial for the team's success. However, the abundance of options on the wing also means that Alonso will need to carefully manage the squad to ensure that everyone stays fit and motivated.
One of the most interesting aspects of the match was the performance of the young players. Liam Delap, who scored twice from the penalty spot, and the 16-year-old Reggie Watson, who was booked in stoppage time, showed that they have the potential to be important players for Chelsea in the future. However, the manager will need to carefully manage their development and ensure that they are given the right opportunities to shine.
Overall, the match against JDT has left Alonso with a lot to think about as he prepares for the upcoming season. The abundance of forwards, the challenges of managing the squad, and the importance of the wingers and young players all need to be addressed. With only two weeks until the start of the Premier League season, the manager will need to act quickly to ensure that Chelsea is ready to compete at the highest level.
