Chelsea wing-back Marcos Alonso really struggles defensively and has for a long time, says ESPN pundit Craig Burley.
Alonso, who joined the Blues for £24million nearly six years ago, has delivered some amazing moments at Stamford Bridge.
The 31-year-old’s won numerous European and domestic trophies at the club, while mastering the specialist position of a left wing-back.
However, there’s suggestions out there that the Spain international could end up leaving west London this summer. It’s been reported Alonso’s agent is set for talks about his client’s potential sale.
Burley says Alonso struggles defensively
ESPN’s Burley acknowledges Chelsea player Alonso can be a big hit in the wing-back role.
He’s keen to point out he really struggles to defend when asked to play as a conventional left-back in a traditional back four, though.
The Spaniard’s been fortunate to mainly play in systems that use three centre-backs and wing-backs, but he can come unstuck with his back to goal.
“I’m not against Marcos Alonso as a player… For a long time now Marcos Alonso has struggled as a left-back,” Burley told ESPN.
“Marcos Alonso has superseded expectations in the last two or three years, particularly before [Ben] Chilwell, as a wing-back. But he struggled as a left-back. He struggled when he doesn’t have a third centre-back outside him to cover him.
“He struggled as a left-back, certainly in the latter part of his career, when he’s had to go back there defend one-on-one.”
Does the good outweigh the bad?
Yes, Alonso’s defending at times can raise some eyebrows.
He’s someone that lacks pace and strength, so attackers will often fancy their chances one-on-one against him.
However, it’s impossible to overlook how big of an impact he has when he plays.
He finished this season with five goals and six assists in 46 games across all competitions, turning up with some big moments in huge games.
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