Let’s face it, Marco Palestra is definitely not the most exciting signing Chelsea could have made to kick-start the Xabi Alonso era.
Palestra is also not one of the “ready-made” signings Chelsea have constantly briefed the media about, even if they are claiming that he is. The defender simply does not tick enough boxes to be that.
Nevertheless, that does not mean that he cannot end up being a good addition to the Blues’ squad. In fact, Palestra could prove to be quite useful because of his versatility.
The 21-year-old can play at full-back and wing-back, which will appeal to Alonso, who may use a back five at Chelsea next season.
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Palestra can also play on both flanks, showing just how versatile he is. Since his days as a youth player, Palestra has played most of his games as a right wing-back/right midfielder.
According to Transfermarkt, Palestra has made 82 appearances as a right wing-back and 30 as a right-back.
On the opposite flank, the Italian has made 34 appearances as a left wing-back/left midfielder and one as a left-back. He has also played a few matches in midfield.
With Marc Cucurella joining Real Madrid, Palestra could get the chance to stake a claim for the left-back or left wing-back spot in Alonso’s team. It is something that one Chelsea fan on TalkingPoints would like to see.
However, Chelsea could still sign Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano, while Jorrel Hato is also an option to replace Cucurella in the starting XI.
It could be a new-look defence at Stamford Bridge next season, with Chelsea also eyeing a centre-back.
Chelsea want to sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace but are yet to agree a fee with their London rivals despite claims that they already have.
Whatever the case, Chelsea have to improve defensively in the 2026/27 campaign. Hopefully Palestra can help them to do just that.
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