Xabi Alonso‘s initial match as Chelsea manager, a 6-4 victory against Western Sydney Wanderers at Accor Stadium, showcased a focus on four distinct strikers. The game, part of the Sydney Super Cup, provided an early look at Alonso’s team and highlighted the difference between Premier League and A-League teams.
Joao Pedro was a key performer, scoring a hat-trick in nine minutes. Alonso described Pedro as “very, very hungry” and “determined to have a great season.” This performance followed his omission from Brazil‘s World Cup squad, with the forward demonstrating his finishing ability, power, and pace.
Another notable striker was Dastan Satpaev, a 17-year-old from Kazakhstan, who scored the first goal of Alonso’s tenure just six minutes into the match. Satpaev is currently a triallist and cannot formally complete his move from FC Kairat to Stamford Bridge until 12 August. He aims to be the first Kazakh player to appear in a Premier League match and has already played for his national team. Alonso, who previously faced Satpaev with his former club Real Madrid last season, expressed his admiration, stating he knew Dastan from Almaty and described him as a “ball threat” who attacks the inner channel well and is strong and quick.
In contrast, Liam Delap, who started alongside Satpaev, continued to struggle. Delap’s performance mirrored his previous appearances for Chelsea since his move from Ipswich last summer. Reports suggest Delap lacks confidence and could be sold. Chelsea is reportedly in advanced talks to sign Danny Welbeck, 35, as an experienced replacement, with Welbeck having agreed personal terms. His club, Brighton, has not commented on the potential deal.
Beyond the strikers, Chelsea is also in discussions to sign midfielder Jordan Henderson, 36, from Brentford. This move is part of the club’s strategy to add experience and leadership to the squad following a disappointing 2025-26 season. Alonso commented on the potential signings of older players, stating, “We need balance, to have a complete squad and make a good team. For that, we have an idea and plan.”
Tactical Approach and Youth Opportunities
Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder, was an active presence on the touchline during the match. He employed the 4-2-3-1 system, which was also favoured by former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca. With several senior players still on holiday after the World Cup, including club record signing Morgan Rogers, numerous young talents were given opportunities to play.
The midfield saw impressive performances from Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, Reggie Walsh, and Reggie Watson. Watson was the only player to play the full game, while Nicoll-Jazuli and Watson, both 16, anchored the midfield for significant periods. Walsh, 17, impressed in a more advanced role. Alonso had previously expressed surprise at the performance of the seven academy players drafted into the squad during training.
Landon Emenalo, 18, also received a substantial opportunity due to the absence of other left-backs. Among the senior players, winger Jamie Gittens stood out, scoring his third goal in three pre-season appearances, following two goals in behind-closed-doors friendlies against EFL opposition.
Squad Absences and Future Outlook
The match also saw the absence of some players. Roméo Lavia, who joined Chelsea from Southampton in 2023, was sidelined with a new hamstring issue. Alonso confirmed Lavia “felt something in his hamstring” and decided it “was not worth taking a risk.” Lavia has faced persistent hamstring problems, limiting him to 21 appearances in all competitions last season. It is hoped he can return for the match against Tottenham on Saturday.
Other players, Hato and Sarr, were deemed to lack match fitness and did not participate in the game. The squad also includes injured players Emmanuel Emegha and Nicolas Jackson. The match against Western Sydney Wanderers provided an early, albeit imperfect, glimpse into Alonso’s plans for Chelsea, with the team still adjusting to jet lag.
The confirmed starting lineup for Chelsea against Western Sydney Wanderers included Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Subuloye, Tosin, Emenalo, Watson, Essugo, Walsh, Kavuma-McQueen, Delap, and Satpayev. Substitutes included Sanchez, Curd, Palestra, Colwill, Fofana, Anselmino, Diakite, Lavia, Kellyman, Nicoll-Jazuli, Palmer, Gittens, Estevao, and Joao Pedro.
The match was the opening fixture of Chelsea’s pre-season tour.
Source: bbc.com