Marcos Alonso scored a wonderful free-kick, opening the scoring in Chelsea’s first Premier League game against Crystal Palace at the weekend and followed it up with a solid display against Arsenal on Sunday.
Thomas Tuchel seemed to have revived the Spaniard's role in Chelsea's first-team squad after Frank Lampard's departure. But, as a fan, it’s hard to get a grasp on how to feel about Alonso’s place in the team.
There’s no set definition for it per se. He’s the name you kind of dread being on the team sheet for certain fixtures. At the same time, when he pulls off a goal like he did last Saturday, you’re not surprised.
The dichotomy that is Alonso was called up in the place of Ben Chilwell. It's been the story of his Chelsea career in recent seasons.
We’ve all seen that Gennaro Gattuso meme right? The one that can be used for all of life's conundrums, where uncertainty is concerned. For example, someone asks you what the weather's been like - *plays Gattuso meme*.
It feels like a fitting way to get around the conundrum that is trying to express the type of player that Alonso has been at Chelsea.
He’s a player that people often deem to be in the ‘reserves' and surplus, but will get the job done when he is on the pitch. But similarly he's one you wouldn’t rely on as Chelsea’s left-back for every single fixture.
That might just be the case this season and with how Tuchel ends up managing his squad, rotation is key and something the manager has already leaned on to win games.
The bonus is having the likes of Alonso and Chilwell in the artillery could only be a good thing.
You’ve got to give real credit to Alonso. He’s bided his time, been patient after being left on the bench for more games than he would have liked.
With Chilwell being favoured - especially during Lampard’s managerial stint at the club, this could finally be the season to prove to Tuchel he deserves his spot in the starting XI.
Alonso’s fortunes have changed with a change of manager in Tuchel though. Moving away from the shadows of playing second-fiddle to Chilwell, who played a friendly against Weymouth the day after Chelsea’s opening fixture - giving players some game time after the football break.
As fans you wondered whether his time at the club was tapering out. Fair play - he started the first game of the new season, scored a stunning free-kick which seems to come naturally to Alonso in a Chelsea shirt.
He’s scored 25 goals for Chelsea, seven free-kicks - scoring a goal in every season he’s played for the club. He's also provided 17 assists for the club.
Not bad for a defender at all.
Daniel Childs, Chelsea Fan Brands writer and Presenter, attended a question and answer session Ashley Cole did last week, where he also spoke about the varying roles of a wing-back and a full-back. “When you play left-back you play and start from a position - you know deeper. Whereas the illusion of the left-back is that you’re bombing up and down.
"I enjoyed that part but, it’s the defensive performance of it. The understanding when do I go and press? How high am I allowed to go? What space am I leaving?
“So, it’s more of a game understanding. I think as a wing-back it’s more difficult, in terms of really understanding the game. Top wing-backs really understand the game and details of position, where you have to be in certain moments.
He also mentioned how Chelsea could benefit from having the option between Alonso and Chilwell. “Having those two players complement each other Alonso he wants to defend against opponents, some big players. That’s how football’s going, you’ve got a big squad, you’re rotating and using players when you need them.”
Alonso's got two years left on his contract at Chelsea. This season will be one where Alonso will have a lot to prove. Will he be the main left-back option for Tuchel or will he be left, back on the bench?
Do you think Alonso will start over Chilwell against Arsenal? Follow our new Chelsea Fan Brands Writer Renuka Odedra on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
