Chelsea have started the 2016-2017 Premier League season superbly with three wins out of three. Conte has managed to get players like Hazard and Costa firing once again after a disappointing last season, where the Blues finished 10th on the table and hence recorded the worst title defence in the history of the Premier League. After relieving interim manager Guus Hiddink of his duties at the end of last season, Abramovic brought in Conte, who had an excellent European Championship with the Italian national team. The transfer window proved to be a quite successful one for the Italian, as he brought in stars like N’Golo Kante, Michy Batshuayi and David Luiz, who returned to Stamford Bridge in a deadline day deal.
With all the focus on Luiz’s transfer, the arrival of Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina in a £23million deal went a little unnoticed. Branislav Ivanovic struggled for much of last season, therefore, the full-back position was of utmost importance to Conte before the season began. Born in Madrid, Alonso was part of the Real Madrid academy, where he went onto to represent the club at every youth levels. After reaching the B team, Alonso moved to England to join Bolton Wanderers in 2010. After making a total of 35 appearances for Bolton in 3 seasons, where he scored 5 goals, then the Spaniard moved to Italy to join Fiorentina in May 2013. In January 2014, Alonso was again sent on loan, this time to Sunderland. After 5 months in England, he returned to Italy and has recently completed his second season with Fiorentina.
Although not one of the most famous names in football currently, Alonso definitely has the potential to make a permanent spot in the Chelsea starting XI just like he did in Italy. If he does displace Ivanovic from the starting XI, Azpilicueta can then shift back to his usual right-back position, therefore giving the team the much-needed balance at the back. At 6ft 2in, Alonso is a major aerial threat for the opposition. He loves getting forward at every opportunity, although not at the expense of leaving his teammates exposed.
His pace is something that he will need to work on, if he is going to succeed in the Premier League against pacey wingers like Sanchez, Martial and many others. His arrival at the Bridge will give Conte much more defensive flexibility. Alonso is a passionate young footballer, who loves getting on the ball and contributing at both ends of the pitch.