Chelsea's New Defender: Tactical Versatility from Italy

On the eve of Chelsea’s Premier League opener at Fulham on Monday night, Alonso drew a clear line around what makes his new defender different.

For him, it starts in Italy.

He pointed to Palestra’s tactical schooling as the key detail that separates the newcomer from most English-raised defenders, stressing how that background has shaped a rare versatility.

“I would say it's probably unusual in England because, in Italy for example, it's quite common, and he has had this education in Italian football to play both profiles,” Alonso explained. “It doesn't matter if you are right-footed or left-footed, just that you are versatile. So he has this option, this energy. He's something different, maybe not that common here, but in Italy it's quite common.”

That ability to operate on either side of the defence, to switch profiles without fuss, is exactly the sort of tactical flexibility Alonso wants in his back line as Chelsea step into a new campaign.

The adaptation off the pitch has been just as swift.

At Cobham, Palestra has wasted no time making an impression beyond his positional play. Alonso described a player who has already woven himself into the fabric of the dressing room.

“He's had a great impact as well in the changing room. He's integrated really well. He's a great guy and with this freshness that he has brought, apart from his football qualities, he's a very great addition to the club.”

Chelsea head to Craven Cottage with a defender who can turn either way, play either side, and already looks at home in blue.