Enzo Maresca started last season by leading Chelsea to the title in the Club World Cup, this time in the face of strong competition from several of the biggest clubs in the world. Unfortunately, Chelsea did not take the good feeling into the Premier League season. It ended with a lead-heavy 10th place (Liam Rosenior also got to try out as a coach for three months). Now it’s Xabi Alonso’s turn. The Spaniard has gained a full overview of the Chelsea squad’s strengths and shortcomings, which could send two Premier League veterans to Stamford Bridge.
Marc Cucurella complained last spring that Chelsea did not have enough experienced players to fight for the Premier League title. Now the Spaniard himself is gone, Alonso has apparently come to the same conclusion. Two Premier League veterans are in talks with Chelsea.
Danny Welbeck has 400 Premier League games under his belt and is still keeping pace in the Brighton shirt. Last season, the striker scored 13 Premier League goals, the 9th highest scoring player in the world’s toughest league.
The English media claim there is a “reported willingness from all parties to get the deal done”, with Xabi Alonso having booked several Premier League veterans to the squad. Danny Welbeck has the experience, the flair – and can point to his 13th goal last season, a goalscoring flair Chelsea desperately need in the world’s toughest league.
Then to 36-year-old Jordan Henderson. Chelsea have placed themselves at the front of the queue to sign Jordan Henderson after having what are described as “positive talks” with his representatives. Teamtalk’s sources claim Alonso sees Henderson and his profile as very suitable in the reshaping of the Chelsea squad.
Although their Liverpool careers never overlapped, the two have developed a strong mutual respect through their enduring ties to Anfield, and they have met on several occasions over the years. It’s Henderson’s leadership, winning mentality, experience (463 Premier League appearances in his legs) and qualities he believes could prove invaluable in Chelsea’s dressing room with young players.
Will be exciting to follow!
