Xabi Alonso addresses Chelsea's midfield issues amid lineup injuries
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 7, 2026, 10:31 AM
Last updated Nov 7, 2026

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso faces challenges with the midfield as injuries to key players, including Moisés Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, impact performance. After nine league games, Chelsea averages 47.8% possession and ranks eighth in total passes in the Premier League. The team is more effective on counterattacks, but Alonso has not yet seen a complete performance from his squad. Enhancing midfield play remains a priority for Chelsea moving forward.
- •Xabi Alonso struggles to define Chelsea's midfield identity.
- •Injuries to Caicedo and Lavia hinder Chelsea's performance.
- •The team averages 47.8% possession after nine league matches.
- •Alonso emphasizes the need for better midfield control.
- 10:31 AMThe Guardian Sport — Chelsea’s Alonso identity still to form in a midfield that remains problem area
"Give Chelsea space and they will run riot, but injuries to key midfielders such as Caicedo and Lavia have hurt Xabi Alonso played for Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich and was a key figure for Spain when their midfield dominated international football between 2008 and 2012. He does not need to be educated about the importance of control, but there has been a clear distinction between his identity as a player and how his Chelsea side have played. Chelsea’s average possession stands at 47.8% after nine league games. They have made the eighth-most passes in the Premier League and are at their most dangerous on the counterattack. Give them space and they will run riot, but Alonso is yet to see a complete performance from Chelsea and knows they need to improve in midfield. Continue reading...
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