The Five Chelsea Players That Have The Biggest Point To Prove Upon Return | OneFootball

With Chelsea returning to Premier League action on October 10, the three-week international break has allowed a period of mini-reflection under new boss Xabi Alonso.

The 44-year-old took charge of the club in July, with the west London side managing just two wins, one draw and two defeats in their opening five league games of the campaign. Chelsea have also navigated past both Luton Town and, most recently, Leeds United in the Carabao Cup.

Alonso has also had to contend with injuries, with both Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra sidelined. Most recently, Brazilian star Joao Pedro missed Chelsea’s 3-0 away defeat to Brentford just before the break alongside captain Reece James. The Spaniard will be hoping the brief pause can help get his team back to full strength at a time when his side had begun to falter.

October looks daunting on paper, with the Blues preparing to face Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Liverpool all in the same month. Many players will feel they have a point to prove after what has been a satisfactory start to the season. The process is still in its early stages, but Chelsea are entering a phase where results will matter just as much as performances.

Performances have been mixed, reflected by the Blues conceding 12 goals - a league high - in their first five league matches, while scoring 10 in return, the third-highest tally in the division. The front three of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and new £117 million signing Morgan Rogers have settled quickly, which will please senior figures at Stamford Bridge.

At least five names in the squad will be expected to elevate Chelsea, whether that comes through improvement on the pitch or by returning to full fitness.

The 24-year-old has endured a turbulent start to the 2026/27 season after effectively missing every game so far, apart from a 14-minute cameo against his former club Brighton & Hove Albion.

Caicedo’s injury has clouded Alonso’s start to the season, with supporters unable to properly assess Chelsea’s ceiling in his absence. With the Blues proving easy to bypass in the centre of the park, the midfielder could hold the key to answering multiple questions, given his ability to offer defensive protection and win the ball. The weight on his shoulders will only increase the longer he remains sidelined.

Heading into his fourth season as club captain and looking to overcome his injury troubles, this season feels particularly important for the Cobham graduate. Following multiple spells on the sidelines, the 26-year-old has adapted his position under Alonso, with the Spaniard opting to use his captain more centrally rather than exposing him to the physical demands of playing at full-back.

His performances in midfield have not been the most convincing, which also prompted a comment from former Chelsea captain John Terry, who said: “I think he’s the best right-back in the world and I think he’s a bit of a miss while he’s playing in midfield at the moment.”

It remains unclear whether James will move back to right-back when Caicedo returns or whether Alonso has another role in mind for the England international. After missing out on international duty due to a knock, James will be looking to prove a point.

The English defender returned from a long-term knee injury in May 2026 and, under Alonso, has so far struggled to rediscover the form he showed under former boss Enzo Maresca.

Colwill appeared best suited to a back four under the Italian coach, but under Alonso he has found himself on the left side of a back three. Chelsea’s vice-captain will be eager to get things right upon his return, and with Caicedo’s imminent comeback, both players will be looking to get the best out of each other.

After a successful first season at Stamford Bridge, the start to his second campaign has felt as though the handbrake has never truly been released. The Brazilian star has been used as a second-half substitute in four of the five league matches so far, with two starts coming in the League Cup.

There is some early concern that Alonso’s system could be limiting Estevao’s opportunities. The winger has been known to struggle in a wing-back role due to the increased defensive responsibilities, while the strong form of Palmer and Rogers could push the teenager further down the pecking order.

The Portuguese winger recently committed his future to Stamford Bridge by extending his contract until 2032. Under Alonso, the 26-year-old has had to adapt his position into more of a wing-back role, which carries increased defensive responsibility.

It remains unclear just how much involvement Neto will have when Marco Palestra returns from injury, with the Italian capable of operating on both flanks.

With increased competition and Estevao waiting in the wings, Neto will be expected to have a point to prove. Aside from the Brighton fixture, in which the winger claimed an assist in the 4-3 victory, his performances have been satisfactory at best.

The wing-backs are the heartbeat of Alonso’s system, and their workload must increase defensively just as much as it does in the final third.