Rollo

If Enzo Fernandez was to leave then which one of these players would you choose to replace him??

🇪🇸 He was a left-back who scored free-kicks like a number 10 and won headers like a number 9. Marcos Alonso was a complete anomaly. When Chelsea needed a goal against Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final, it wasn't Hazard or Costa who stepped up. It was Marcos Alonso. He arrived as a defensive signing. He left as one of Chelsea's most lethal attacking threats from the back. That's the Marcos Alonso story. The Madrid born defender wasn't just your standard defender keeping things tidy down the touchline, but a genuine goalscoring weapon who popped up in the opposition box right when his team needed him most. Born into Spanish football royalty where his grandfather Marquitos won five European Cups with Real Madrid and his father played for both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, Marcos began his journey in Real Madrid’s academy. After sharpening his trade in English football with Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland before exploding in Italy with Fiorentina, Antonio Conte brought him back to England by signing him for Chelsea in August 2016 for £24 million. His arrival at Stamford Bridge fundamentally transformed Chelsea’s tactical setup as Conte deployed his famous three at the back system with Alonso operating as a ruthless left wing-back. His movement into the penalty area and lethal instincts in front of goal quickly turned him into a terrifying nightmare for opposition defenses across the country. He instantly stole the hearts of the Stamford Bridge faithful during his debut season, scoring crucial goals including a brilliant brace against Leicester City to drive Chelsea to the 2016/17 Premier League title. Whenever Chelsea won a free-kick anywhere near the edge of the box, his majestic left foot was an absolute death sentence for top-flight goalkeepers. Iconic strikes against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley and a stunning volley against Arsenal remain permanently etched in West London football folklore. His relentless consistency and attacking output saw him deservedly named in the 2017/18 PFA Team of the Year. Across six silverware-laden seasons in West London, Marcos registered 212 appearances, scored 29 goals, and provided 23 assists, a staggering goal contribution tally for a defender. His honors collection at Stamford Bridge reached legendary status as he completed a total sweep of major club trophies, lifting the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. In the summer of 2022, Marcos made his return to Spain by joining Barcelona, where he lifted the 2022/23 La Liga title before continuing his top-flight career with Celta Vigo. On the international stage, he earned 9 senior caps for Spain and helped his country reach the 2021 UEFA Nations League final. He may not have the pace of a winger or the strength of a centre-back, but Marcos Alonso had something better: a knack for scoring when it mattered most. From Bolton to Chelsea to Barcelona, Alonso proved that a left-back can be a match-winner too. He wasn't the fastest. He wasn't the flashiest. But when the ball was at his feet outside the box, you knew something special was was coming