The recent friendly match between Chelsea and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in Malaysia has left Xabi Alonso with a lot to ponder as he prepares for the upcoming Premier League season. The game, which ended in a draw, exposed several issues within the Chelsea squad, particularly regarding discipline and squad depth.
One of the most striking aspects of the match was the number of yellow cards issued. Five yellow cards were shown in total, with Delap and Jackson being booked for dissent, and Estêvão being lucky to avoid a red card after a dangerous kick. This is a concerning trend, given that Chelsea received 11 red cards last season, the most of any team in the league. The club's policy of signing young players has been questioned, with Alonso adding Welbeck and Henderson, both over 30, to the squad.
The match also highlighted the issue of squad depth. With a staggering 41 players in the squad, and no European football next season, Alonso is under immense pressure to integrate key players and work with the entire squad in just two weeks. The arrival of Mudryk, who returned early from a drugs ban, adds to the rich choice of options on the wing, but it also creates a competitive environment that could lead to further disciplinary issues.
The performance of the front three, Estêvão Willian, Liam Delap, and Nicolas Jackson, was impressive, having cost Chelsea over £100m combined in the past three years. However, the presence of so many forwards and the lack of a clear starting XI could lead to further confusion and inconsistency.
The JDT manager, Xisco Muñoz, and his players treated the game like a competitive fixture, flying into challenges and unsettling Chelsea's players. This intensity and passion are a stark contrast to the more relaxed atmosphere of a pre-season friendly, and it could be a sign of things to come in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the friendly match against JDT has left Alonso with a lot to think about. The club's disciplinary issues, squad depth, and the competitive environment created by the arrival of new players are all factors that could impact the team's performance in the Premier League. As the season approaches, Alonso will need to make some difficult decisions to ensure that Chelsea is ready for the challenges ahead.
