{"id":1682,"date":"2026-08-20T12:46:25","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T12:46:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1682"},"modified":"2026-08-20T12:46:25","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T12:46:25","slug":"new-chelsea-signing-valentin-barco-reveals-where-he-wants-to-play-under-xabi-alonso","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1682","title":{"rendered":"New Chelsea signing Valentin Barco reveals where he wants to play under Xabi Alonso"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Xabi Alonso will be glad to have a player like Valentin Barco in his squad, with the Argentine joining Chelsea from Strasbourg earlier this month.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Barco<\/a> is a very versatile footballer, who is able to play in midfield and at left-back. In his career, he has been used in both positions, and there is no doubt that Alonso<\/a> will look to utilise his versatility at Stamford Bridge<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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However, Barco does have a preference, which is midfield, and he explained why in a recent interview.<\/p>\n

Speaking to Chelsea\u2019s official club website<\/a>, the Argentina international said: \u201cI feel comfortable playing as a midfielder. I love it because you touch the ball so much. You have to control the tempo of the game. I learned so much how to play as a midfielder, the timings, the tactics. The time [at Strasbourg] was so important for my career and for my life as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Where will Chelsea finish in the Premier League in 2026\/27?<\/h3>\n

Let’s hear how you think Xabi Alonso will get on this season\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Chelsea\u2019s midfield situation is a very interesting one going into the new season. In theory, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez should be the main midfield pairing under Alonso.<\/p>\n

There is still uncertainty surrounding Fernandez\u2019s future, though, despite Manchester City failing to meet Chelsea\u2019s deadline<\/a> to sign the World Cup<\/a> winner.<\/p>\n

Alonso also has Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo, but the pair struggled to stay fit last season.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, all of the above means that Barco could get opportunities to play in his favourite position this term. There was some talk about the 22-year-old potentially going out on loan, but he has been given the No.4 shirt at Chelsea, suggesting that he will be remaining in west London this summer.<\/p>\n

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In terms of the left-back position, Chelsea look well stocked there despite Marc Cucurella\u2019s move to Real Madrid.<\/p>\n

Pep Chavarria and Jorrel Hato are expected to be the two main options there, while Marco Palestra can play as a left wing-back<\/a> if Alonso uses a back three. <\/p>\n

Barco increases the depth that Chelsea have at both left-back and in midfield. His versatility means he could end up being a pretty useful player for Alonso this season, especially if players start to pick up injuries, which is something we have seen very often over the past few years at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

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