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Top five players who could thrive under Xabi Alonso at Chelsea

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.
Published at :July 31, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Modified at :July 31, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Xabi Alonso Real Madrid LaLiga

(Courtesy : LaLiga Content Hub)

Many players will be keen to establish themselves under Alonso.

Xabi Alonso remains one of football’s elite managers, having bravely broken Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga hegemony with Bayer Leverkusen and winning the title.

Xabi Alonso joined Real Madrid as manager last summer. He only lasted six months at the Santiago Bernábeu, where he had previously played. However, results, harmony, and performances have all worsened after his departure; thus, his reputation has remained relatively unblemished.

Chelsea have a fractured roster, but one full of young, bright players. If he can get them to gel, Xabi Alonso may be able to succeed in what some call ‘the impossible job’ under the Blues’ present ownership paradigm.

List of Chelsea players that will thrive under Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso Real Madrid LaLiga Liverpool
Xabi Alonso (Courtesy: DFL/Bundesliga)
RankPlayer
5Estveao
4Moises Caicedo
3Enzo Fernandez
2Reece James
1Cole Palmer

5. Estevao

Estevao of Chelsea
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 04: Estevao of Chelsea during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Chelsea and Port Vale on April 04, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Estêvão, a Brazilian youngster, has the potential to become a superstar. But his popularity has yet to reach its peak. He has shown glimpses of it, without a doubt.

But two goals and two assists in the Premier League are not much to brag about. Fitting Estêvão and Palmer into the same squad may be challenging. Next season might be the one when he truly adds to his undeniable talent.

A revolving front three of João Pedro, Estêvão, and Palmer may satisfy the Blues fans.

4. Moises Caicedo

Ecuador Moises Caicedo FIFA World Cup 2026
Moises Caicedo of Ecuador (Courtesy: Getty)

To be precise, Moisés Caicedo has had an excellent season thus far. The Ecuadorian was great in the first half of the season. But his performances have declined after the turn of the year.

Nonetheless, he is one of the league’s top central midfielders. His energy and persistence might make the 24-year-old an ideal candidate to be one of the two central midfielders in a flat four under Xabi Alonso. He is a boss’s dream in that configuration.

3. Enzo Fernandez

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15: Enzo Fernandez #24 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Xabi Alonso aims to base his midfield on Enzo Fernández’s deep-lying playmaking ability. The Argentine international’s passing range and vision are important for breaking rival pressing. He also helps in controlling the team’s rhythm from the midfield.

2. Reece James

Reece James of Chelsea
Reece James of Chelsea applauds the fans (Courtesy: Getty)

As the squad’s leader and pulse, Reece James is seen as an irreplaceable asset. In Xabi Alonso’s system, James’ physical dominance, precision crossing, and defensive robustness are ideal for the right wing-back/wide centre-back hybrid role.

1. Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer Chelsea Premier League
Cole Palmer of Chelsea (Courtesy: Getty)

Cole Palmer’s debut season at Stamford Bridge was remarkable; nobody could have imagined such an effect. However, Palmer’s performances and productivity dipped significantly last season, with only four non-penalty goals in the Premier League.

He has battled with injuries, consistency, and identifying a definite role. However, if Alonso chooses to play 3-4-2-1, Palmer might be well suited to playing in the ‘right 10’ position. Perhaps we will see the best of the Englishman once more.

Despite the fact that Champions League football is highly doubtful, the Blues must persuade him to stay.

Will Xabi Alonso be an ideal manager for Chelsea?

His vision for the game makes him one of the top ideal coaches who could turn Chelsea’s fortunes around.

When is Chelsea’s first Premier League game?

It’s on 25th August against Fulham at 12:30 am IST.

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Rajarshi Shukla
Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.