Premier League PFA Alternate XI-Chelsea and Tottenham stars feature

Left-back: Marcos Alonso, Chelsea

Many didn’t know who this guy was when Chelsea signed him on transfer deadline day. The headlines were about the shock David Luiz transfer. But Alonso has gone on to prove himself as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. Chelsea have lacked a natural left footed player in defence since Ashley Cole left and have been searching ever since to replace him. Alonso may have finally done so.

Offensively, he’s been superb. He’s scored 5 goals and made assists this season. He’s constantly getting down the left flank in the opposition half making crosses and linking up with Eden Hazard. His presence was missed in their recent defeat to Manchester United.  Without him, Chelsea lack balance going forward.

Defensively he’s also been more than reliable. While he’s not blessed with blistering pace like most good left-backs, his intelligence and positional awareness makes up for this. He’s never out of position and knows when to get back in defence when Chelsea concede the ball.

His tackling is also not too bad with 2 tackles won per game.

His height is also very useful when defending crosses from deep with an average of 2.4 aerial duels won per game. He uses his strength and height to out-muscle fast but weak forwards off the ball.

He also has an average of 1.5 interceptions and has an overall WhoScored rating of 7.39.

His free-kicks aren’t too shabby either if you managed to see his excellent left-footed free kick goal recently against Bournemouth.