{"id":2131,"date":"2026-08-25T07:42:26","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T07:42:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2131"},"modified":"2026-08-25T07:42:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T07:42:26","slug":"quickest-speed-15-defensive-actions-the-chelsea-player-who-quietly-proved-xabi-alonso-right","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2131","title":{"rendered":"Quickest speed, 15 defensive actions: The Chelsea player who quietly proved Xabi Alonso right"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers took the headlines as Chelsea and Xabi Alonso secured all three points in their opening game. But it was another that will have secretly delighted the gaffer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pedro, Palmer and Rogers all got themselves a goal, which will have had Alonso<\/a> both ecstatic and excited on the touchline. Pedro and Palmer also got themselves an assist, as did new signing Maxence Lacroix.<\/p>\n

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CHELSEA WIN: Xabi Alonso gets the win, but who impressed you most? \ud83d\udcc8<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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While there were mistakes at the back and the frustration with Robert Sanchez continues<\/a>, Chelsea<\/a> won away in the Premier League and that cannot be sniffed at. Last season, Chelsea lost the same fixture 2-1.<\/p>\n

But it was another performance that will have delighted Alonso, for many different reasons. Chelsea, for example, outran Fulham. They only managed to outrun an opponent once during the 2025-26 campaign.<\/p>\n

Josh Acheampong shines after surprise starting XI inclusion<\/h2>\n

While Wesley Fofana was suspended<\/a>, it was expected that Reece James would start on the right of the back three. However, Alonso chose to start Acheampong<\/a> alongside new signing Lacroix and Levi Colwill.<\/p>\n

A surprise inclusion, yet one that paid off. Alonso will be delighted with Acheampong\u2019s showing, with the Chelsea academy product easily producing one of his best performances since breaking into the senior XI.<\/p>\n

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Acheampong recorded the quickest speed on the pitch, a whopping 36.4 km\/h. He supplied the most defensive contributions with a total of 15, including more clearances than any other player on the pitch.<\/p>\n

Not only that, but Acheampong\u2019s progressive passing played a big role. He laid on 11 line-breaking passes and 11 passes into the final third. That attacking passing from deep is key in an Alonso side.<\/p>\n

A superb display from Acheampong, who not only proved Alonso was right to pick him, but also proved those among the fanbase who have not been convinced by the versatile defender in the senior side.<\/p>\n

Bad news for Wesley Fofana as Acheampong is surely set to stay<\/h2>\n

There are only seven players considered \u2018untouchable\u2019 at Chelsea<\/a> aside from new signings, and according to sources at Chelsea, Acheampong is one of them. However, there have been suggestions he could go.<\/p>\n

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Chelsea have high hopes for Josh Acheampong under Xabi Alonso\u2026<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Perhaps a loan deal, with Dortmund keen on Acheampong.<\/a> However, his performance against Fulham was almost impeccable. Wesley Fofana missed the win through suspension, and Acheampong took advantage.<\/p>\n

The France international will have been watching on, perhaps feeling a degree of frustration. Given the wages he earns, Fofana may be deemed a possible sale before the deadline thanks to Acheampong.<\/p>\n

Certainly, Acheampong\u2019s performance will have moved the England youth international up the pecking order. Fofana won\u2019t want to warm the bench, and before the deadline, Fofana could easily end up leaving.<\/p>\n

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