It looked like his Chelsea career was drawing to its close just a couple of weeks ago, but Marcos Alonso is now back in favour under new manager Thomas Tuchel and impressing.
The 30-year-old made way for summer signing Ben Chillwell in the starting XI under ex-boss Frank Lampard.
But the attack-minded full-back has started back-to-back games for Chelsea, with the switch of system to a back three with wing-back really suiting him.
The Spaniard thrived as a left wing-back during Antonio Conte’s title-winning season at Stamford Bridge and he’s now back in that favoured position.
Chelsea recorded a 1-0 away win at Tottenham on Thursday night in the Premier League and his performance is perhaps once that has flown under the radar.
The likes of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and goalscorer Jorginho have rightfully come out of the game with huge credit, but Alonso deserves a special mention.
Alonso finished top of the Chelsea stats during the game for most clearances (3) and most interceptions (3), with all data cited from WhoScored.
He also won the most aerial duels (6) and received a team-best of a 7.99 rating.
If Tuchel is going to persist with this system moving froward, it’s going to be difficult for him to drop Alonso and the pressure will be on England international Chilwell to see how he responds to the challenge.
Alonso may be a player that can be caught out defensively, but fans saw the best of him against Tottenham and he looks so much more comfortable in both areas of the pitch as a wing-back.
It certainly helps having three centre-backs behind him, plus he has a real licence to go forward.
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