One thing that Chelsea must do this summer is sign players who fit Xabi Alonso’s system. One of the easiest ways to do that would be bringing in those who have already done. That would mean players from Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid. Perhaps even those he coached for Real Sociedad’s B team, who have gone on to prove themselves at the senior level.
Of course, Alonso’s best stint as a manager so far has come at Bayer Leverkusen. He took over a team that was just hoping to avoid relegation and won an Invincible Bundesliga and Pokal double with them the following season. Obviously, a lot of credit belongs to the Spaniard but the player did a tremendous job responding to his instructions as well.
So, it would make sense for Chelsea to try and sign some of those players. And it looks like one of Alonso’s favourites from his time at Bayer Leverkusen could be on their radar.
According to DSports Radio 103.1 FM, with Alonso’s arrival at Chelsea, Exequiel Palacios could land at the English club. He had already had him on the radar for Real Madrid.
Exequiel Palacios was a regular for Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen
Palacios made 100 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen with Alonso as the manager. During that period of time, he scored 11 goals and provided 13 assists.
Palacios has also been a regular part of the Argentina national team picture for quite some time. He was part of the squad that won the World Cup and the last two Copa America titles as well.
So, it is safe to say that Palacios knows what it takes to win at the highest level. He would add that experience to this Chelsea team.
At the same time, at 27 years of age, he should only be entering his prime on the pitch. So, barring any career-altering injuries, Chelsea should get Palacios’ best version if they were to sign him.
What role would Palacios play for Chelsea?
If the idea is to replace Enzo Fernandez, then Palacios would not be an out-and-out fit. He is a very different kind of midfielder.
Palacios is not someone who is going to score a ton of goals or provide many assists. He is somewhat of a combination between a regista and a box-to-box midfielder.
His passing is his best attribute. And when it comes to recovering the ball, he mostly relies on his reading of the game rather than the physical side of it.
Of course, Alonso knows him very well and if Chelsea do end up signing him, it is because the Spaniard has a plan in which Palacios would fit. Now, it remains to be seen if a move is made for the Argentine World Cup winner in this summer transfer window or not.
