Chelsea’s World Cup Watch: Winners, Worries and What Alonso Wants | OneFootball

One of the happiest men heading into next week’s World Cup might just be Xabi Alonso.

Not just because he loves the beautiful game or enjoys an endless feast of matches to binge, but because Chelsea head into this summer’s tournament with a smaller crop of players represented.

Eleven names spread across nine nations include: Enzo Fernandez (Argentina), Mike Penders (Belgium), Moises Caicedo and Kendry Paez (Ecuador), Reece James (England), Malo Gusto (France), Jorrel Hato (Netherlands), Pedro Neto (Portugal), Mamadou Sarr and Nicolas Jackson (Senegal), and Marc Cucurella (Spain).

That is one fewer than London neighbours Crystal Palace, five fewer than Arsenal, and eight behind Manchester City.

The notable omissions of Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Levi Colwill, along with Estevão’s recovery from injury, offer Alonso a stronger selection of faces when pre-season training commences in July.

Chelsea Stories in the World Cup

For Chelsea supporters watching on, the list contains a varied group of players with diverging plotlines.

Both Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella may no longer be Chelsea players by the time the tournament concludes in New York. Fernandez has been consistently linked with Real Madrid, whilst Cucurella is also believed to be desiring an exit. He’s linked with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.

Moises Caicedo, in form, is one of the finest midfielders in world soccer. How much of that can be shown in a tricky-looking group containing Germany and Ivory Coast is difficult to predict, though a knockout for Ecuador run remains likely.

Mike Penders’ future still seems unclear following his loan spell with sister club Strasbourg.

The current stance is that Penders will return and compete with Robert Sanchez for the first-spot, with little suggestion a new goalkeeper is going to be recruited.

Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson’s potential comeback at Stamford Bridge could be supercharged by a strong run for himself and Senegal in the States.

Mamadou Sarr put in a dominant performance in the controversial AFCON final back in February and will be aiming to rediscover momentum after falling into the wilderness since being recalled from Strasbourg during Liam Rosenior’s doomed reign.

The Disappointments

Kendry Paez was once heralded as a starboy, though his past season appears to have stalled his development.

Malo Gusto is a name many fans have grown tired of following a disappointing season at right-back. Even if his strengths as a wingback may suit a potential Alonso system, enthusiasm for Gusto’s Chelsea story continuing into a fourth season feels limited.

A similar feeling surrounds Pedro Neto, whose displays have consistently frustrated over the past season.

Two to Watch

Two names of the greatest intrigue over the summer might be club captain Reece James and Jorrel Hato.

James and Thomas Tuchel were a near rom-com-perfect match at Stamford Bridge when he flew down the flanks as a wingback. England’s chances at this tournament should be strong given the quality of coach, squad, and recent record of going deep. Though selfishly, Chelsea fans will simply hope any lingering injury setbacks stay away before club football resumes.

Bar João Pedro, Hato is arguably one of the only players to emerge from this disastrous season with excitement and credit behind him.

He showed increasing versatility and defensive strength as Chelsea eventually shifted to a back three in the final week of the season following Colwill’s return from injury.

There is genuine intrigue around how good Hato can become after his debut season.

Can Chelsea Have a Winner?

Chelsea have at least four names who could realistically stand on the winning podium next month: Enzo Fernandez aiming to retain the title with Argentina, James with England, Gusto with France, and Cucurella with Spain.

Penders, Hato, Sarr and Jackson are names to watch for greater exploration and discovery this summer.

Meanwhile, the futures of Fernandez and Cucurella may leave many ruing potentially acrimonious endings, with both likely ending up in Spain should they depart.

There is also a guaranteed clash of Chelsea players in the group stage, with France facing Senegal on 16 June in New Jersey.

Not too many injuries, please — and if you do go far, play well enough to be regarded as the best in the tournament.

You can follow my coverage of Chelsea on YouTube at SonOfChelsea. More written coverage of the club on Substack. Follow me on X for more thoughts, along with listening to the podcast.