Alonso hails “different” summer signing who does something which is “common in Italy” | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso has been speaking about Chelsea defender Marco Palestra and how we could see him used this season.

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Marco Palestra was signed way back at the start of the summer, so he’s had a long time to make an impact. He’s done just that – fans have really taken to his aggressive style, and it’s been notable that he’s played on both flanks in preseason. New manager Xabi Alonso was asked about where the Italian would play most this season.

Alonso on “different” Palestra and his impact

Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images

“I would say [playing on both sides] is probably unusual in England because in Italy, for example, it’s quite common. And he has had this education in Italian football to play both profiles,” Alonso said.

“It doesn’t matter if you are right-footed or left-footed, you are versatile. So he has this option, this energy. He’s had a great impact as well with the changing room. He’s integrated really well. He’s a great guy. And this freshness that he has brought, apart from his football qualities, it’s a very great addition to the club. But yes, he’s something different. Maybe not that common here, but in Italy it’s quite common.”

I mean, Palestra is hardly going to be the first two-footed player in English football, but it’s true that attacking full backs don’t often alternate sides as much as he does.

In other news…

Another full back on the agenda was Reece James. Alonso spoke about the full back and how he intended to use him this season.

Alonso also spoke about his team selection for Monday, not giving anyone much confidence that the players who made it deep into the World Cup will get the chance to start.