After the loss to Brentford, Xabi Alonso needs to quickly decide on Chelsea’s next team lineup.
Xabi Alonso has been encouraged to keep starting one Chelsea player after his strong performance against Brentford, even though the Blues lost 3-0.
On Friday, September 18, Alonso went with a lineup full of experienced players like Emi Martínez, Danny Welbeck, and Jordan Henderson. As usual, he set up his team with five defenders, including Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, and Wesley Fofana, plus Pedro Neto and new signing Pep Chavarría as wing-backs.
The 28-year-old Chavarría, who joined Chelsea from Rayo Vallecano this summer, is quickly winning over fans with his positive play at the Gtech. Many supporters praised his efforts, with some even saying Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato should stay on the bench if Chavarría is fit.
One fan wrote: “As long as Pep Chavarría is fit, Malo Gusto and Hato should keep warming the bench. He’s doing a great job. This team will be unstoppable when everyone is back and healthy.”
Another added: “Chavarría and [Valentín] Barco have really impressed me, and I already know what Jordan [Henderson] can do. I want to see Barco and Chavarría starting more often.”
A third said: “Barco, Henderson, and Chavarría have shown they deserve to be on the team.”
Others agreed, with one fan saying: “Pep Chavarría, I don’t want to see you on the bench again.” Another commented: “Both Barco and Chavarría have really stood out. Henderson gives us the stability and control we need.” And one more wrote: “It’s great that everyone is noticing Chavarría is a top player. He’s a better defender than Hato.”
Even though Chavarría played well, Chelsea lost 3-0, with goals from Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago, and Fábio Carvalho. The team will face Bournemouth after the international break.
Chavarría shared how proud he is to join Chelsea after his £16.7 million move from La Liga’s Rayo Vallecano in August.
“It’s a pleasure to be here,” he said. “This is a dream because Chelsea is one of the best clubs in the world. Today is one of the best days of my life.
“I’m friendly as a person, and as a player, I love attacking, defending, and running box-to-box. I have lots of energy and intensity on the pitch—that’s what I bring to the team.
“I played in Spain all my life, but the Premier League is the best league right now. It’s full of quality and intensity, so it’s perfect for me.
“I’ve already talked with Xabi Alonso. I’m here because of him. He’s one of the best coaches today and was also a great player. It’s an honor to play under him.”