What tactics might Alonso use at Chelsea?

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In his last season with Sociedad B, he had moved to 3-4-3, a formation he would become known for, using it to much success at Leverkusen.For Alonso, these decisions are informed by players - both his own and those of the opponents.At times, he has opted for a back five in order to match an opposition back-five system, as seen in Madrid's 1-0 win against Juventus in the Club World Cup.At Leverkusen, with impressive wing-backs such as Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo, Alonso had wide defenders comfortable attacking high and wide. This can be with two wing-backs and three narrow attackers from a back-five formation, if the wing-backs are strong in attack.Starting in a four-at-the-back system, it can be done with one full-back and one winger on either flank - with any combination of three midfielders or attackers playing centrally.Image caption, Here we see an example of Alonso's Leverkusen in possession: a back three, a narrow midfield - a key facet of his sides, and a front five encouraged to take turns and drop deep to support players on the ball.

The two wide players here are both wing-backs and the three central players are made up of Leverkusen's striker and two attacking midfielders.With Chelsea opting for a back five against City in the FA Cup final and at times under Rosenior, they do possess players capable of playing either shape. Alonso will set Chelsea up based on the players' skillset, so seeing wingers out wide with full-backs centrally - given Cucurella, James and Gusto's quality in midfield - would not be a surprise.Alonso's overarching principlesAlonso wants his sides to dominate the ball, setting up attacks in opponents' halves for long periods.

This allows them to win it back quickly and continue to apply attacking pressure.Through these small-space interactions between his players, the centre of the pitch can become crowded - but this is a deliberate quirk of Alonso's system.From a squad-building perspective, Alonso will be looking for technical players who thrive in small spaces, allowing his team to unlock defences' stubborn low blocks.Image caption, Here we see five players across the attacking line for Real Madrid despite starting with a back four. Here both are pushed up as Leverkusen play long - minimising the effect of Bayern Munich's high press - targeting taller, more physical players.Notably, going long in both these games failed to result in big chances for Alonso's side because the front line struggled to make the ball stick - something Joao Pedro is capable of doing more so than Chelsea's wide players.In theory, many of Alonso's ideas outlined in this piece have a strong basis, having worked not only for his own sides but for many of football's most successful coaches at present.The biggest problem he faces is that these tactics are only viable if a manager has the personnel to execute them.Significant rebuild underwayAlonso has been appointed as a manager, rather than in the head coach role held by his predecessors at Chelsea.It is a signal the club are adapting in response to criticism of the project, both externally and internally from players.It is also a mark of respect for Alonso's seniority and career.However, he will not be rebuilding the club on his own.