Chelsea opinion: Sarri should hold onto Marcos Alonso

The Mirror has reported that Marcos Alonso is nearing an exit from Stamford Bridge, being primed to move to Atletico Madrid. The Spaniard has had a difficult season after two fantastic seasons under Antonio Conte. The Spaniard even earned an international cap, following his performances at Chelsea.

This season, however, the left wing-back has been a picture of frustration. His strengths have always been at the attacking side of the game. Not known for his defensive attributes, the wing-back had to adjust to his game and his position.

Despite starting the new season in the same vein as his previous two seasons, over time he became a defensive liability and cost Chelsea many times.

Maurizio Sarri plays a very different system to Antonio Conte and it has affected his performances. The wing-back system employed by Antonio Conte was tailor-made for a player like Alonso.

It’s a specific role that can only be effective with the players surrounding you following instructions to the letter.

Maurizio Sarri’s future is uncertain and any decision will ideally have to be made only after a decision is made on the manager’s future.

Chelsea still have a transfer ban to attend to and it will not be easy to find a replacement for Alonso. There isn’t anyone in the academy of note who could play there if an injury were to arise.

Emerson Palmieri has done well when called upon. Towards the end of the season, he had become the starter.

Palmieri is a more traditional full-back who does the offensive and defensive sides of the games without much fuss but there isn’t much excitement to his game like Alonso. He keeps it neat and tidy in both areas.

Chelsea have to keep in mind that they could be having a very difficult season, with their talisman Eden Hazard potentially leaving for Real Madrid and the transfer ban, as mentioned earlier, will also be a big problem for the Blues. So perhaps, now is not the time to move on from Marcos Alonso.

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Conclusion

Chelsea will be hampered by the transfer ban and potentially losing out on one of their best players. It is imperative that they don’t lose out on more players even if they might not be up to the standard. Marcos Alonso, for all his faults, should still have a place in the squad.