🚨🔵 There were times in the Enzo Maresca era when some Chelsea fans felt a worrying lack of urgency to get to their match seats. They lingered at the bars and the food stands of the stadium concourse before kick-off and at half-time, glumly confident that their mechanical, heavily choreographed side would not make them regret it.

That trend has been consigned to history by Xabi Alonso. Get to your seat five minutes late and you’re liable to miss at least one Chelsea goal, and maybe more. 🔥

Jordan Henderson was brought in to provide experience, leadership and character to Chelsea’s dressing room, with Xabi Alonso keen to balance his squad with players at different stages of their careers.

His value was evident even before making his first appearance of the season against Brentford. England manager Thomas Tuchel had also recognised Henderson’s off-field qualities, taking him to the World Cup despite his limited prospects of playing.

Henderson was never expected to arrive in the final third and finish like prime Frank Lampard or curl in 25-yard free kicks like Gianfranco Zola. His role was to bring leadership and stability.

Caicedo’s importance to Chelsea has been underlined by every match he has missed due to injury. He is the least replaceable player in this squad, and Alonso has no chance of finding a workable, sustainable balance in this team without the Ecuadorean in it.

Joao Pedro is a proper No 9 now. He runs in behind, protects the ball with his back to goal, links play and attacks crosses with confidence and impeccable timing. Most importantly, when the ball finds him anywhere in the penalty area, you expect him to score.

🔗 Liam Twomey - The Athletic

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