Chelsea have set up a little differently of late. Frank Lampard’s switch to a 3-4-3 system - aside from a 5-3 defeat against champions Liverpool - has proved an effective change.
For the most part, the Blues look more assured defensively, less exposed when teams break and generally better organised. The impressive 3-1 win over Manchester United in the FA Cup final will have encouraged Lampard to stick with this new system, though his faith may have wavered slightly in defeat at Anfield.
He stuck with it, though, and there were plenty of positive signs as Chelsea overcame Wolves with a 2-0 win on the final day of the Premier League season, securing a place in the top four.
There have been shades of Antonio Conte’s title-winning team of 2016-17 over the last week, with Reece James on the right, operating in the Victor Moses role, and Marcos Alonso in his familiar left wing-back position.
The latter was particularly impressive against Wolves, nullifying the significant threat of Adama Traore when he emerged from the bench and proving typically effective going forward. The Spaniard, now 29, is a perfect fit in this system, and that may give Lampard something to think about.
Alonso hasn’t always been in the first-team picture this season, starting only 15 Premier League games and often looking exposed as a left-back in a back four. His performances have drastically improved when operating in a back five, though, with three goals from nine appearances playing as a left wing-back.
It remains to be seen whether Lampard will opt to continue with a 3-4-3 in the long-term. If he does, Alonso may be the best option, given his familiarity with the role and his importance in Conte’s team only a few years ago.
That could solve Chelsea’s dilemma at left-back, despite talk of a big money move for Leicester’s Ben Chilwell. Nicolas Tagliafico of Ajax has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
If the Blues intend to save money to invest in other areas of the squad, this could be a wise move. Alonso, though he is often criticised and maligned for defensive lapses, is more than capable of playing at a consistently high level for a top Premier League team, particularly in a formation that plays to all of his strengths.
Much will depend, of course, on the way Lampard wants his side to play next season. If the 3-4-3 was introduced as a short-term fix, Alonso’s future might be in doubt. He turns 30 in December and has been linked with the likes of Sevilla and Inter this summer.
Lampard will not want to be hasty about getting rid of a player with Alonso’s experience. The instinct in modern football is to spend big to address problem areas, to identify young, exciting talents and cast aside more senior professionals.
Sometimes, though, the best option is to look within.
