ไทย
English
中國人
Xabi Alonso has now managed his first five Premier League games at the Chelsea helm, and the results have been ... inconsistent.
Two victories, two draws and a historically shaky defensive record indicate there is plenty of work ahead at Stamford Bridge, though perhaps that is understandable given yet another summer of upheaval at Chelsea. Not only is Alonso still finding his footing, but his squad features no fewer than 10 new signings adjusting to life in west London.
Here's a look at how each of those new arrivals has performed through the opening weeks of the campaign.
10. Emmanuel Emegha
Appearances: 0
A promising showing in pre-season friendlies behind closed doors for striker Emmanuel Emegha was swiftly disrupted by an injury that has left him still awaiting his Chelsea bow.
While he has been sidelined, those competing for time in his position—João Pedro and Danny Welbeck—have only strengthened their standing further.
It's early in the season, but it is already difficult to see how Emegha will climb the depth chart, which is a significant worry for the 23-year-old.
9. Marco Palestra
Appearances: 0
Much like Emegha, right back Marco Palestra has yet to feature following his $62 million (£47 million) transfer to Chelsea over the summer.
Alonso has repeatedly hinted at the 21-year-old's imminent comeback, yet supporters are still waiting on a player who arrived at Stamford Bridge with a formidable reputation as Serie A's finest defender last season.
Chelsea's sluggish start has only intensified fans' eagerness to see their new recruit in action. Hopefully that opportunity arrives soon.
8. Geovany Quenda
Appearances: 2
With just 27 minutes under his belt, 19-year-old winger Geovany Quenda has had to exercise patience since his summer switch from Sporting CP.
Even Palestra's absence through injury has not unlocked any openings in a wingback role where he frequently shone for his previous club. Quenda sits low in the pecking order across every position, and there are growing concerns this could rapidly turn into a frustrating season for the youngster.
For $59 million, considerably more is anticipated.
7. Jordan Henderson
Appearances: 1
An unfortunate arm injury sustained during the World Cup meant Jordan Henderson had to wait until the fifth match of the season before making his first appearance. He came in from the start in the 3–0 thrashing at the hands of Brentford, his former club.
That was far from the ideal introduction for a player whose arrival at Chelsea was greeted with a degree of controversy. His leadership qualities and seasoned experience are clear assets for the Blues—watching him directing those around him was an encouraging sight—but on-pitch impact will be the only way to silence his critics.
Alonso will be hoping Henderson quickly shakes off the rust and demonstrates precisely why he was brought in when league action resumes.
6. Valentín Barco
Appearances: 5
Seemingly the most unpopular figure in England following his exploits with Argentina at the World Cup, midfielder Valentín Barco has embraced the pantomime villain tag thrust upon him about as well as could be expected in limited playing time.
Key midfielder Moisés Caicedo has been sidelined through injury, yet Barco, whose signing was completed before Alonso's appointment, has faced an uphill struggle to prove himself to the new manager, who has readily turned to right backs Reece James and Malo Gusto in midfield ahead of him.
The minutes we have seen from Barco, largely in the Carabao Cup, have been reasonably solid.
5. Emiliano Martínez
Appearances: 4
Has Emiliano Martínez been poor? Absolutely not. Has he offered anything meaningfully different from his under-fire predecessor Robert Sánchez? Absolutely not.
Sánchez was moved on after one error-laden outing—his inconsistent form throughout last season will undoubtedly have also been a factor—and 33-year-old Martínez was recruited to provide an experienced presence at the back. There was even speculation that Chelsea could challenge for the title on the strength of his arrival alone.
Martínez has been adequate, but his displays have still featured the kind of mistakes that became synonymous with Sánchez. He cannot be held solely accountable for Chelsea's defensive woes, but it is hard to overlook 10 goals conceded across four matches.
4. Maxence Lacroix
Appearances: 7
Had this ranking been compiled a few weeks ago, Maxence Lacroix might have had a genuine case to feature higher, but a string of uneven performances heading into the international break have dented his standing.
Lacroix has shouldered considerable responsibility at the heart of Chelsea's back three. In the early stages, he appeared to have justified that trust, with strong showings against Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion helping to offset the defensive vulnerabilities.
Until Chelsea stop leaking goals, however, Lacroix will remain under considerable scrutiny. He was meant to be a central part of a solution that has clearly yet to materialise.
3. Pep Chavarría
Appearances: 7
If we're being candid, most Chelsea supporters will not have known much about 28-year-old left back Pep Chavarría before his move to the Bridge. Doubters have been quickly won over by a player who has comfortably surpassed the modest expectations set for him.
Deployed mainly from the bench, Chavarría's tireless energy has won him admirers among the fanbase, with many calling for him to be handed a starting berth sooner than he was. Short-term thinking, now dominated by the Brentford defeat, has not done his cause any favours.
Chavarría has been far from flawless, with valid concerns at both ends of the pitch, but the lack of pressure on him has helped him settle in comfortably.
2. Danny Welbeck
Appearances: 5
Danny Welbeck, a 35-year-old backup forward, has made a positive impression in his opening weeks at Chelsea.
Fully aware that his role is to provide cover for João Pedro, Welbeck has capitalised on the chances given to him. Two Carabao Cup starts have produced three goals, though he was unable to carry that momentum into the Premier League when called upon in the Brazilian's injury-enforced absence against Brentford.
You could not ask for more from Welbeck, who has fulfilled his understated role to near perfection so far.
1. Morgan Rogers
Appearances: 7
When the season draws to a close, Morgan Rogers will be hoping to find himself in the running for Signing of the Season.
A return of three goals and four assists has undeniably delivered the strongest possible start, with Rogers swiftly slotting into a dynamic attacking unit alongside Pedro and close friend Cole Palmer. Chelsea have been a potent offensive outfit for much of the season to date, and Rogers has been central to that.
Whether any player can truly justify a $157 million (£117 million) price tag is an entirely separate debate for another occasion, but there is no question that Rogers has made Chelsea a considerably better side so far.