Alonso can be ‘the best in Europe’
PICTURE PERFECT: Alonso, right, has a new deal MARCOS ALONSO has been challenged to become the best left-back in Europe after committing his future to Chelsea.
The Spaniard, 27, has landed a new five-year deal worth around £120,000 a week that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2023.
Blues boss Maurizio Sarri believes Alonso can take his game to the next level, but warned the former Sunderland and Bolton defender that he is not the finished article.
“I’m very happy with him and for him – he can be the best left-back in Europe,” said Sarri.
“But he needs to improve in the defensive phase, because he was used to playing in a back five. Now has to play in a four.
“If he can improve, he will be best left-back in Europe.”
Alonso, who is likely to be rested for tonight’s Europa League clash against BATE Borisov, has collected Premier League and FA Cup winners’ medals in his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge.
A free-kick expert, he has made 92 appearances for the Blues, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists, both as a wing-back under previous manager Antonio Conte and a more orthodox full-back under Sarri.
He is convinced the arrival of the veteran Italian this summer can help him add to his trophy haul.
“I have been here three years, I have won two titles, I’m hungry for more and here is where I want to win and keep improving,” said the Spain international. “When Maurizio came I had only heard things about him – now I can say he is a great manager. But this is just the beginning.”
Chelsea have also opened talks with centre-back Antonio Rudiger over an improved contract after some impressive performances from the German which have made him first choice under Sarri.
But Eden Hazard has been ruled out of tonight’s home clash with the Belarusian club by a back problem.
“He is out for sure,” said Sarri. “We are trying to sort the problem for Burnley on Sunday, it is not easy.”
Sarri is ready to rotate tonight, with Andreas Christensen and Ruben LoftusCheek in contention to start.
“This match is not a big problem because it is five days after our last match,” he said.
“The problem will be on Sunday because we play Burnley just 65 hours later, so we need to change somebody. Jorginho I think will need to rest now.
“Ethan Ampadu is out, Christensen I think will be on the pitch, I don’t know about Callum HudsonOdoi and LoftusCheek. Maybe.” (4-3-3) KEPA; ZAPPACOSTA, CAHILL, CHRISTENSEN, EMERSON; LOFTUS-CHEEK, FABREGAS, KOVACIC; MOSES, MORATA, WILLIAN SCHERBITSKI; RIOS, PALYAKOW, FILIPENKO, FILIPOVIC; BAHA, YABLONSKIY, DRAHUN; IVANIC STASEVICH, TUOMINEN REFEREE: P Mazzoleni (Ita). KICK-OFF: 8pm. TV: BT Sport.