Chelsea’s issue starts left back is clear for all to see.
Frank Lampard used both Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri as his starter for parts of the season, and was left bitterly disappointed by both. At times he would drop one and play the other, only to be let down even more by the replacement and end up switching back.
By the end of the season, we had gone back well beyond square 1, back to the heady days of 2015, with Cesar Azpilicueta at left back.
What is very clear is that Lampard would like a new player in that position – Ben Chilwell if the rumours are to be believed.
Whether he can get him or an alternative will depend on the market, but whatever happens, you can guarantee at least one new body in the door.
The question then will be who they get rid of. Given Lampard does have some appreciation for Alonso as a wing back, there’s the feeling he might be inclined to keep him in case he wants to use that system.
On the other hand, there will likely also be significantly more transfer interest in the Spaniard, so it might end up being him who goes in order to raise funds for Chilwell or whoever else comes in.
All we can say for sure is that if Lampard has the chance to shift both he might well do it, at least judging by the grimaces on his face watching the pair at times this season.
