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Chelsea's hunt for a new head coach is set to be a lengthy process, with numerous candidates being evaluated as potential successors to Liam Rosenior.
One name attracting attention is Xabi Alonso, whose exit from Real Madrid came just six days after Rosenior's appointment at Stamford Bridge. The former midfield maestro's reputation took a hit during his troubled spell in Spain, yet most observers still regard Alonso as the mastermind behind Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable Bundesliga triumph in 2023–24, rather than the man who fell short of the near-impossible task of managing the egos within the Bernabéu dressing room.
Should Chelsea turn to Alonso as the next chapter in their turbulent project, here's a look at how he might set the Blues up.
Xabi Alonso's Preferred Formation
Alonso's preference for the 3-4-2-1 during his Leverkusen days is well documented. It wasn't a shape we saw regularly during his time in Madrid, though that was likely due to the need to accommodate the club's array of high-profile attackers.
In the early stages of his Madrid tenure, Alonso did deploy a back three at times, or at least operated with a back four flexible enough to build play in his favoured manner. It seems probable he will look to fully revert to the system that yielded his greatest success at his next club.
Alonso demands tactical adaptability, control of possession and a high-intensity press. Chelsea possess the ingredients to make it work, but the squad's relative inexperience means considerable shaping would be required under Alonso's guidance.
How Xabi Alonso Could Set Up at Chelsea
GK: James Trafford—Lingering doubts over Robert Sánchez's quality mean Chelsea are in need of a more capable ball-playing goalkeeper. The Blues would do well to pursue Trafford from Manchester City, giving Alonso's side a solid foundation from which to build.
CB: Reece James—A likely return to the 3-4-2-1 would push James into a central defensive role, with the physical demands of a wing-back position too great given his injury history. The role would still allow him to advance into midfield when the situation calls for it.
CB: Levi Colwill—Enzo Maresca consistently highlighted Colwill's quality as a central centre-back. The Chelsea academy product ranks among the finest ball-playing defenders in his position and would slot seamlessly into Alonso's setup.
CB: Edmond Tapsoba—A vital component of Alonso's success at Bayer Leverkusen, Tapsoba would bring qualities Chelsea currently lack at the back. Physically imposing and strong in the air, he also offers excellent technical ability on the ball to help Chelsea progress up the pitch.
RM: Malo Gusto—The wing-back role demands relentless energy up and down the flank. Gusto is the most natural fit in a shortlist that could include Pedro Neto, though young Geovany Quenda may also stake a claim following his arrival from Sporting CP this summer. It was in this very role that Quenda burst onto the scene under Ruben Amorim.
CM: Moisés Caicedo—The defensive anchor of the system, Caicedo's value to Chelsea needs no elaboration. He is a world-class, box-to-box midfielder capable of thriving in virtually any tactical setup.
CM: Enzo Fernández—A case could be made that Alonso would favour a more defensively disciplined player here, but he will likely face pressure to keep Fernández in the side if no club meets Chelsea's steep asking price this summer. The task will be transforming the Argentine into a Granit Xhaka-type figure, with Alonso's work developing Arda Güler in Madrid potentially serving as a blueprint.
LM: Marc Cucurella—There is a feeling that Cucurella could be tempted away from Chelsea this summer, but should he stay, he will remain a regular starter, potentially returning to the wing-back role where he shone so brightly at Brighton.
AM: Cole Palmer—Any incoming manager will be quizzed on their vision for Palmer, the heartbeat of Chelsea's attack. Alonso would aim to restore Palmer to his creative peak within a fluid front three, ideally creating plenty of opportunities for him to add to his goal tally.
AM: João Pedro—Few Chelsea supporters would label João Pedro a failed signing, yet questions about his ideal position persist. Playing in the hole behind a central striker, where his creativity and footballing intelligence can shine, may prove to be his most effective role.
ST: Nicolas Jackson—Jackson may have tested the patience of Chelsea supporters with his wastefulness in front of goal, but his exceptional movement and ability to unsettle defences have always passed the eye test. With Maresca now gone, the opportunity to reset that relationship is very much alive.
