{"id":2431,"date":"2026-08-28T06:07:01","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T06:07:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2431"},"modified":"2026-08-28T06:07:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T06:07:01","slug":"all-duels-won-11-attacking-passes-v-luton-chelsea-star-is-xabi-alonsos-early-success-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2431","title":{"rendered":"All duels won, 11 attacking passes v Luton: Chelsea star is Xabi Alonso’s early success story"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Xabi Alonso\u2019s two matches in charge have resulted in two wins, five goals scored, and a clean sheet. Ultimately, anything other than two wins and questions would have been asked.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There have been some excellent performances this week. Cole Palmer won the man-of-the-match award in both games, as Chelsea\u2019s<\/a> no.10 looks like he is getting closer and closer to the best version of himself.<\/p>\n

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Who gets your MOTM vote in Chelsea\u2019s win over Luton?\ud83e\udd14<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Morgan Rogers came within an inch of scoring his second Chelsea goal last night, hitting the bar after scoring against Fulham. Danny Welbeck and Valentin Barco were both excellent on debut for Chelsea.<\/p>\n

But there is another Chelsea player who is quickly becoming the surprise success story of Xabi Alonso\u2019s<\/a> short-lived tenure at Stamford Bridge<\/a>. On Thursday night, he was excellent again as Chelsea won 2-0.<\/p>\n

Josh Acheampong shines again, and the stats prove just that<\/h2>\n

Against Fulham, Acheampong<\/a> was a surprise inclusion in Chelsea\u2019s starting line-up. The defender starred on the right side of the back three, proving rock-solid in defence but excellent with his forward passing.<\/p>\n

He was one of six Chelsea players to retain their place on Thursday night, alongside Reece James, Malo Gusto, Palmer, Lacroix and Rogers. Again, Acheampong was sensational for Chelsea during the 2-0 win.<\/p>\n

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According to FotMob<\/a>, Acheampong was involved in six duels and, unlike any other player on the pitch, he won all six. The third-most defensive contributions on the pitch (8) and the fourth-most touches (82).<\/p>\n

Acheampong produced the second-most final-third passes. It is something Alonso will really like about the defender: willing to pass forward rather than taking the safe option and showing the ability to do it.<\/p>\n

Acheampong could be Xabi Alonso\u2019s surprise success story<\/h2>\n

Going into the new season, Acheampong was declared an \u2018untouchable\u2019.<\/a> But at the same time, there were fears that he might not get the desired game time he was after, and it might tempt him into a loan exit.<\/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

However, Alonso has used Acheampong for every single minute of the two competitive games he has been in charge of. He proved Alonso right on Monday night<\/a>, and he sparkled again, albeit against Luton.<\/p>\n

Dortmund were linked<\/a>, and Liverpool are interested<\/a>. But Acheampong is getting the game time he craved and actually, he\u2019s quietly in the running to be Alonso\u2019s surprise success story at this early stage.<\/p>\n

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