{"id":1004,"date":"2026-08-12T10:23:37","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T10:23:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1004"},"modified":"2026-08-12T10:23:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T10:23:37","slug":"four-winners-and-four-losers-as-chelsea-draw-v-jdt-liam-delaps-clear-message-to-xabi-alonso","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1004","title":{"rendered":"Four winners and four losers as Chelsea draw v JDT: Liam Delap’s clear message to Xabi Alonso"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Xabi Alonso will have learnt plenty from Sunday afternoon\u2019s enthralling 3-3 draw with Malaysian champions JDT, as Liam Delap sent a clear message to the Spanish gaffer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the fifth and final pre-season friendly of the summer tour of Australia and Asia, Chelsea <\/a>took on Johor Darul Ta\u2019zim. A side that has won the Malaysian Super League 12 times in a row since 2014.<\/p>\n

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Which Chelsea player caught your eye?<\/h3>\n

Chelsea player ratings V JDT.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Liam Delap\u2019s best display in a Chelsea shirt! \ud83d\ude2e<\/p>\n

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Alonso made 11 changes from the XI that beat Milan<\/a> on Saturday, a resounding 3-0 win. He named a mix of youngsters and fringe players, and it resulted in a close-fought goal frenzy, ending three each.<\/p>\n

Below, we consider the winners and the losers from Sunday\u2019s 3-3 draw, as Chelsea now return home before facing Alonso\u2019s old side Real Sociedad on Saturday. Liam Delap<\/a> was certainly among the winners.<\/p>\n

Four winners from Chelsea\u2019s draw with JDT<\/h2>\n

Liam Delap<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It wasn\u2019t just Delap\u2019s two goals from penalties, one of which he won, but he held the ball up superbly for Chelsea. A lung-busting performance, manning both centre-backs. One of his best displays for Chelsea.<\/p>\n

Nicolas Jackson<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jackson<\/a> started his first game this summer, having made substitute appearances against Juventus and Milan. The Senegal international was not his fluent best but linked the play well, sitting behind Delap.<\/p>\n

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Tayo Subuloye<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A surprise inclusion in the starting line-up, Subuloye replaced Mamadou Sarr<\/a> at the last minute after Sarr had been named in the confirmed XI. Didn\u2019t look out of place; held his own despite changing positions.<\/p>\n

Reggie Watson<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Watson<\/a> might have thought his involvement in the pre-season tour was over, but he entered the fray on 30 minutes in the unusual role of right-sided centre-back. He impressed, showing Alonso his versatility.<\/p>\n

Honourable mentions include Geovany Quenda, who impressed Chelsea fans<\/a>, while Gabriel Slonina made a top save when Shabab Zahedi was put through on goal. Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli started in midfield again.<\/p>\n

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How would you feel about this Chelsea team playing in the cup competitions? \ud83c\udfc6<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Four losers from Chelsea\u2019s draw with JDT<\/h2>\n

Aaron Anselmino<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The obvious one is the Argentine defender. Riddled by hamstring injuries on loan over the last 12 months, he got his first start of the summer but picked up another injury, missing the chance to impress Alonso.<\/p>\n

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Dario Essugo<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After Romeo Lavia impressed against Milan, Essugo<\/a> needed to remind Alonso what he can do. He wore the captain\u2019s armband, but he was to blame for JDT\u2019s third goal and often conceded possession.<\/p>\n

Mamadou Sarr<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A frustrating summer for Sarr. His only outing of note came against Juventus, as well as late outings in the games against Milan and Spurs. He was in the XI, but was robbed of his big chance to impress Alonso.<\/p>\n

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Which players would you sell to make up for Chelsea\u2019s spending? \ud83d\udcb8<\/h3>\n

Chavarria is expected to cost around \u00a321m with add-ons.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Jamie Gittens<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Gittens <\/a>has been brilliant this summer. But if he is to get a chance under Alonso, he needs to show he can play in different positions. Today, he played as a wing-back, but he really struggled to shine on the left.<\/p>\n

Not the best days either for Tosin Adarabioyo or Estevao, though Tosin showed his leadership when it got heated and Estevao had his moments. Ultimately, a mixed bag, but a game Alonso will take plenty from.<\/p>\n

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