Chelsea bought Marcos Alonso through a deal believed to be £23 million on the last day of transfer season. This is the third left back Chelsea has bought in the last three seasons. The previous two were Felipe Luis and Baba Rahman. While the former was sold after just one season, the latter was unable to convince the new manager Conte for a team spot and hence was sent out on loan. All the Chelsea fans are hoping that Marcos Alonso will deliver the goods and help in freeing up Azpi. Here are five interesting things to know about Marcos Alonso.
A Product of Real Madrid Academy
Marcos Alonso is an academy product of one of the best clubs in the world. He joined Real Madrid academy when he was aged 10 and was a winger for much of his teens. Manuel Pelligrini offered him his first appearance in 2010, when he was introduced at 89th minute against Racing Santander. Sadly, that has been the only minute he has been on the pitch in Real’s colours.
Now Chelsea possess a Real Madrid academy product in him and a Barcelona academy products in Fabregas and Pedro, two of the best clubs in La Liga.
Has ample EPL experience
He has played for close to 4 seasons altogether in English Premier League, as a player of Bolton and Sunderland. Thus, he will bring with him a rich experience of different premier league clubs.
With Bolton (2010 – 2013): At Bolton, he has played 35 times in the league. At the end of the 2012–13 season he was voted The Bolton News’ player of the year
With Sunderland (2014): He joined Sunderland on loan for half a season. Overall he appeared 20 times inclusive of all competitions and helping his team retain its top flight status
His career at Fiorentina
In May 2013, Alonso signed for Italian side ACF Fiorentina on a three-year deal. He made 85 appearances and five goals scored in all competitions for La Viola during his stay with the Italian side
While he initially started his career as a winger in Real Madrid, he later turned into a left back during his late teens. However, Paula Sousa, the manager of Fiorentina liked his speed and tendency to remain forward and hence used Alonso as a midfielder.
He is a Chelsea Fan
He has been a big Chelsea fan even before joining the Blues. In his first comments on signing the deal, he said “It was an easy decision for me to make when I heard the club were interested in signing me. My family and close friends know Chelsea is the club I have dreamed about playing for so I’m really excited about the challenge and I’m looking forward to working with my new team-mates.”
Strengths and Weaknesses
Playing Style: He likes to tackle often and is an indirect set piece threat
Strengths: His strengths include Aerial duels, Key passes, direct free kicks and tackling
Weaknesses: Tendency not to track back at times.
