Plenty of Chelsea have have said they can’t think of one good reason to play Marcos Alonso ahead of Emerson Palmieri against Manchester City after two dreadful showings in our last two games
But Maurizio Sarri has found one, and according to quotes carried in the Metro, it’s all do with set pieces:
“Of course, Emerson is a good option… I have to also consider some details, for example without Alonso, we could have problems in set pieces, so I have to consider everything,” the Italian mused.
It was long noted under Antonio Conte that Alonso does play a vital role offensively and defensively at set pieces.
We all know about his incredible prowess hitting a direct free kick, but his height makes him a threat attacking at corners and indirect free kicks too. It means he’s more than capable heading balls in his own box too – pretty vital when you’ve got a host of smaller players like Azpi, Kante, Jorginho, Hazard, Pedro, Kovacic, Willian and so on, in the team.
However those benefits won’t make up too many more defensive disasters, so the pressure is on for the Spaniard.
