Xabi Alonso’s debut as Chelsea manager featured a focus on four strikers during the team’s 6-4 victory against Western Sydney Wanderers. The match, held at Accor Stadium, showcased a dominant performance from one forward, struggles from another, a promising young talent, and discussions around a potential new signing.
Joao Pedro was a standout performer, scoring a hat-trick within nine minutes. His contribution was central to Chelsea’s win, highlighting a significant difference in play between Premier League and A-League teams. Alonso described Pedro as “very, very hungry” and determined to have a strong season, suggesting the player’s motivation may stem from being excluded from Brazil’s World Cup squad. Pedro’s finishing, power, and pace were evident throughout the entertaining fixture.
Despite the high scoreline, Chelsea’s overall performance was described as imperfect, with the team still adjusting to the effects of jet lag. However, beyond Joao Pedro’s display, another notable performance came from Dastan Satpaev.
Emerging Talent and Transfer Talks
Satpaev, a 17-year-old from Kazakhstan, scored the first goal of Alonso’s tenure just six minutes into the match. He participated in the game as a trialist, as his formal transfer from FC Kairat to Stamford Bridge cannot be completed until 12 August. Satpaev is aiming to become the first Kazakh player to feature in a Premier League match and has garnered significant attention in his home country, with fans traveling to Sydney for both an open training session and the match.
Stylistically, Satpaev is often compared to former Argentina and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero due to his quickness, sharpness in the box, and relatively small stature. Alonso, who had previously faced Satpaev with his former club Real Madrid, expressed his admiration, stating, “I knew Dastan from Almaty. He is a ball threat, he attacks the inner channel well and is good as a striker coming from the outside. He is really strong, really quick and I have been really impressed with him.” The manager indicated that decisions regarding Satpaev’s future, including a potential loan move, are still to be made.
In contrast to Satpaev’s promising debut, fellow starting forward Liam Delap continued to struggle. This follows his move from Ipswich last summer. Delap appears to be lacking confidence, and reports suggest he could be sold. Chelsea is reportedly in advanced discussions to sign 35-year-old Danny Welbeck as an experienced replacement. Welbeck has reportedly agreed to personal terms, and there is optimism within Chelsea that a deal can be finalized, though his current club, Brighton, has declined to comment.
Beyond the striker situation, Chelsea is also in talks to acquire 36-year-old midfielder Jordan Henderson from Brentford. These potential signings are part of the club’s strategy to introduce experience and leadership into the squad after a disappointing 2025-26 season. When questioned about bringing in older players, Alonso emphasized the need for balance, 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 Involvement
Alonso’s first match provided an early look at his tactical preferences. The team adopted a 4-2-3-1 system, which was also favored by former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca. With several players on holiday following the World Cup, including club record signing Morgan Rogers, the match offered an opportunity for several academy players to feature.
The starting lineup included academy graduates such as Josh Acheampong, Tosin, and Liam Delap. Other young players, including Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, Reggie Walsh, and Reggie Watson, impressed in midfield. Watson was the only player to complete the entire match, while 16-year-olds Nicoll-Jazuli and Watson anchored the midfield for extended periods. 17-year-old Walsh also performed well in a more advanced role. Alonso expressed surprise at the strong performances of the seven academy players who had been integrated into the squad to fill gaps during training sessions. Landon Emenalo, 18, also received a significant opportunity due to the unavailability of other left-backs.
Aside from Joao Pedro, winger Jamie Gittens was another senior player who particularly impressed. He has now scored three goals in three pre-season appearances, building on his two goals in behind-closed-doors friendlies against EFL opposition. The match against Western Sydney Wanderers served as the opening fixture of Chelsea’s pre-season tour.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Ama Serwah
Yaw Appiah
Evelyn Mensah
Kwame Ofori