Mario Melchiot: Marcos Alonso could give Ben Chilwell cause for worry at Chelsea
Speaking on TalkSport (h/t Football.london), former Chelsea star Mario Melchiot believes Ben Chilwell may not be assured of his spot at the club anymore, at least for the time being.
The English international was one of Chelsea’s big buys last summer, as he arrived for £50m. An automatic first choice under former boss Frank Lampard, he faces a less biased look from Thomas Tuchel.
The German’s arrival has changed the dynamics of the squad, with a number of previously overlooked players getting a new lease of life. One of them is Marcos Alonso.
The 30-year-old was effectively Chelsea’ third-choice left-back just a fortnight ago. He has however started the last two games over Chilwell and to his credit, he has impressed.
With Tuchel preferring to play three at the back, Alonso has thrived as a left-wing back. The German’s system plays right into Alonso’s strengths as a player. Melchiot believes this change in the formation could hurt Chilwell.
“One manager wants you for a particular system so it was more like a 4-3-3, but now the system has changed and made it really questionable for Chilwell.”
Melchiot has no doubts regarding Chilwell’s ability as a player. However, with Alonso impressing, he should deservedly be getting game time over his more illustrious rival.
“He looks comfortable on the ball. We all know he’s good, he does his job and that is why he’s playing.”
While Tuchel rates Chilwell, he does believe that Alonso currently offers more in the position compared to the Englishman. (h/t The Daily Star)
The German has watched Alonso thrive in Antonio Conte’s system and believes his height also gives him an advantage over Chilwell when it comes to defending set-pieces.
Competition for places is always healthy, especially in a squad that is looking to challenge for honours. While Alonso may be Tuchel’s go-to man at left-back, it does not shut the door on Chilwell’s future at the Bridge.
The 24-year-old is a talented player who has it in him to get better and offer something different. How he responds to this latest challenge will be interesting.