Chelsea’s Alonso identity still to form in a midfield that remains problem area

Give Chelsea space and they will run riot, but injuries to key midfielders such as Caicedo and Lavia have hurt

Xabi Alonso played for Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich and was a key figure for Spain when their midfield dominated international football between 2008 and 2012. He does not need to be educated about the importance of control, but there has been a clear distinction between his identity as a player and how his Chelsea side have played.

Chelsea’s average possession stands at 47.8% after nine league games. They have made the eighth-most passes in the Premier League and are at their most dangerous on the counterattack. Give them space and they will run riot, but Alonso is yet to see a complete performance from Chelsea and knows they need to improve in midfield.