{"id":1111,"date":"2026-08-13T12:52:33","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T12:52:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1111"},"modified":"2026-08-13T12:52:33","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T12:52:33","slug":"xabi-alonso-about-to-make-his-first-real-blunder-as-chelsea-boss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1111","title":{"rendered":"Xabi Alonso about to make his first real blunder as Chelsea boss"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"\"\/ Add as preferred source on Google<\/span> <\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Dario Essugo\u2019s future has become clearer at Chelsea, but it looks as if the wrong decision will be made.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dario Essugo<\/a>\u2019s pre-season has provided a massive boost after a nightmare debut year at Stamford Bridge. <\/p>\n

\n

The 21-year-old barely got off the ground last term, sidelined by a brutal thigh injury that saw him miss over 25 games across all competitions. But Xabi Alonso has clearly taken a shine to the Portuguese midfielder during summer preparation. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/header>\n
\n
\n
\n

Where does Myles Lewis-Skelly fit into Xabi Alonso\u2019s Chelsea?<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n

The Blues have been offered the chance to sign the Arsenal man\u2026<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Essugo didn\u2019t just get quality minutes under his belt across the pre-season tour, he was even handed the captain\u2019s armband in the final match against Johor DT. <\/p>\n

It is proper redemption for a young lad ready to make up for lost time.<\/p>\n

Dario Essugo set to stay at Chelsea<\/h2>\n

It was originally claimed that Dario Essugo was open to a loan move away from Chelsea<\/a> to gain regular minutes, but he now looks set to stay.<\/p>\n

Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, Valentin Barco, Jordan Henderson and Reece James are expected to compete for midfield roles at Chelsea, according to The Athletic<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With no European competitions, having just two central midfield spots and seven players fighting for them just doesn\u2019t make sense. Especially as Essugo will likely be near the bottom of the pile. <\/p>\n

Dario Essugo needs to be playing every game<\/h2>\n

At just 21 years old, Dario Essugo is at a crossroads in his career, and bench-warming simply isn\u2019t an option. After losing almost an entire season to injury, the lad desperately needs consistent minutes to build momentum, sharpen his game, and reach his potential. <\/p>\n

While keeping him as squad depth might sound safe for the club, it is a proper mistake for his actual development. At his age, sitting on the bench for brief cup cameos will only stunt his progress. He needs to be playing every week, making mistakes, and growing, not watching from the sidelines.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
<\/svg><\/p>\n
Join Our Newsletter<\/span><\/p>\n

Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n