Story by
Xabi Alonso wowed by 'very special' Chelsea talent, he should be unleashed vs Liverpool
- Story by
- Xabi Alonso wowed by 'very special' Chelsea talent, he should be unleashed vs Liverpool
Xabi Alonso must be ready to start hardly-seen striker Emmanuel Emegha against Liverpool on Wednesday as Joao Pedro faces a spell on the sidelines.
Alonso has struck gold at Chelsea as Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers begin to form one of the best attacking trios in world football right now.
Advertisement
The unstoppable trifecta was broken up over the weekend as Pedro missed out with a thigh problem in their 2-0 loss to Tottenham.
He is now confirmed to be sidelined for a "few weeks", according to Alonso, in a big blow to Chelsea as they prepare to face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup this week.
The Blues boss has Danny Welbeck as an option to start, but should give summer signing Emegha the chance to impress in Pedro's absence.
Emegha, 23, is back fit after suffering from a hamstring problem and has the potential to be a key player for Chelsea this season and beyond.
Emmanuel Emegha deserves Chelsea chance after injury layoff
Advertisement
Emegha officially joined the Blues in the summer after agreeing to a £21million pre-contract from sister club Strasbourg last September.
The 23-year-old had emerged as one of the best strikers in France during his time at Strasbourg, scoring 31 goals in 78 appearances for the club.
He only featured in 10 league games last term due to injury and personal issues, but ranked in the 100th percentile (0.8) for expected goals per 90 and 89th percentile (0.41) for big chances created per 90 among Ligue 1 strikers.
Chelsea have not just signed him for the future, with Alonso clearly impressed with what he saw over the summer as he made the cut to be included in the Blues' squad for this campaign.
Advertisement
Emegha is yet to feature this season after suffering a hamstring injury in August, but the Chelsea manager has this week confirmed that he will be in the squad to face Liverpool on Wednesday.
While Welbeck is more experienced, Alonso could spring a surprise on Andoni Iraola by starting Emegha in their cup clash.
Chelsea fans are keen to see him in action and he is set for a bright future, while their attack needs pace and dynamism, two of his best attributes, to work to its best.
Ex-scout has big 'problem' with Chelsea player after what he saw vs Tottenham 'This has to be outlawed' - Ex-refs chief erupts after analysing Van de Ven incident vs Chelsea What has Alonso said about Emegha?
Advertisement
Alonso clearly rates Emegha highly, which points to the Dutchman potentially making his first appearance for the club from the off at Anfield.
He has continually talked up his quality while he has been absent, with quotes from earlier in October hinting at Emegha being in line for ample opportunities this season.
Speaking to the media about the striker, Alonso said: "When he is fit, he is very special. He is 1.95 metres, is quick, he attacks space, and he is a threat. He needs to be fully fit, and at this moment he's had little things and unfortunately has not been available.
"But we are looking forward to him feeling good and helping the team, and it's going to be difficult for defenders when he is in good shape."
