'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Maurizio Sarri is having a horrible time at Stamford Bridge so much so that from Chelsea fans singing "ole, ole, ole" at every pass to f**k Sarri ball. A lot has been debated whether the players are not good enough or is it the manager.
But one thing is certain. His Chelsea players are definitely not helping Sarri's cause and one of the players who has been regressing by the day under Sarri is Marcos Alonso.
The Spaniard form has been deteriorating rapidly. As the season has gone on, it is becoming more and more evident that Alonso is definitely not as suited to being a left-back in a four-man defence, as he is to being a left-wing-back in a five-man defence. His willingness to always be on the front foot has cost him dear, as his inability to track the space behind him, has been exploited for fun.
It's not only his defensive game that is poor, but his attacking game also has not been very effective either.
The former Sunderland full-back often misplaces passes and or is unable to find a good pass in the final third.
Antonio Conte may have feared this that may have been the reason why he wanted Chelsea to pursue the signing of Juventus's Alex Sandro last season. Whether Sarri is still Chelsea's manager next season or not, the Blues will definitely want a new left-back for next season.
Here are 5 left back's Chelsea should target next season.
#5 David Alaba (Bayern Munich)
David Alaba is one of the best left-backs in world football right now. The Bayern Munich youth academy player is only 26 years old, but he has plenty of experience of playing at the top level.
He is also capable of playing in the midfield as well as at centre-back. The Austrian has made 31 appearances for the Bavarian giants as they look to chase Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund this season.
David Alaba's quality and his age would make him a good long term solution to Chelsea's left-back problems. He is technically excellent and his defensive nous, coupled with his prowess in advanced areas is brilliant. Overall, he has not shown that he has any major weakness in his game.
The Austrian has spent all his footballing career in Germany. Alaba could move in search of a new challenge and the Premier League should be the ideal destination for him.
Chelsea were linked with a move for Alaba when Conte was in charge and given the fact that the Blues' squad needs a reboot, Roman Abramovich would happy to splash the cash.
#4 Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli)
Faouzi Ghoulam plays for Italian side Napoli in Serie A as a left back. The Algerian international is 28 years old and since his arrival from Saint Etienne, he has been a regular for Napoli.
Ghoulam had endured an injury prone last year but it seems like he has returned to full fitness and is ready to remind Naples and the rest of Italyhow good he is.
The former Saint-Etienne defender's overall game is excellent. He is good at crossing, passing, holding on the ball, key passes and ariel duels as well. His defensive game may not be as good as his attacking game, but he still manages to cope up with it and does not let it affect the team.
The Napoli left-back is 28 years old and it seems like they are unlikely to challenge in Europe or for Serie A anytime soon. Ghoulam if given the chance should jump the ship if given a chance to win more respectable trophies in his career.
The Blues were linked with a move for him in the summer but they could return for him next season whether or not Sarri stays at Stamford Bridge.
#3 Ricardo Rodriguez (AC Milan)
Ricardo Rodriguez is a Swiss international player who plays for AC Milan in the Serie A. He is 26 years old and he has previously played in the Bundesliga for Wolfsburg. He is one of the best left- backs in Italy given how well he has performed for Rossoneri.
This season he has made 29 appearances for AC Milan providing 4 assists in the process as well. He joined AC Milan in last summer transfer window and he looks like a good buy for them.
The Swiss international has been described as an accomplished defender. He has good passing ability and good at holding the ball as well. He has previously played European football with Wolfsburg and now with AC Milan.
The current Milan team may have shown some promising signs but there is no guarantee that they will be able to finish in the top four and it is still uncertain how long it will take them to again rise and challenge for titles. Though, Rodriguez, a chance to challenge for major honours would be tempting given the uncertainty at the San Siro.
#2 Alex Telles (FC Porto)
Alex Tellas is a Brazilian who plays for FC Porto in the Portuguese League. The Brazilian is 26 years old and he one of the most highly rated full-backs in world football right now. He also had previous spells with Inter Milan and Galatasaray.
This season, he has made 37 appearances for the Dragões providing 9 assists. In total, he had played more three thousand minutes of football.
Tellas has been described as a skilled, quick and a playmaker kind of a defender. Not only this he has plenty of pace as well which helps to run up and down the pitch. He is a unique full back as, with his vision, he can create chances for his team.
If the former Inter Milan full-back wants to take his game to the next level he has to leave Porto and take the next big step in his career by proving his worth in a more competitive league.
According to reports Chelsea are interested in signing him next summer but they will face competition from the likes of Liverpool and Atletico Madrid.
#1 Ben Chillwell (Leicester City)
Ben Chillwell plays in the Premier League for Leicester City and the English National Team. The former Huddersfield Town defender is 22 years old and he is regarded as a future left back for the English National Team.
He has made 25 appearances for the Foxes this season and his performances this season has caught the attention of many big clubs as well.
Chillwell is an English international and currently, Chelsea need quality English players in their squad to fulfil the quota for homegrown players. The Leicester City full-back is quick and has good dribbling skills and he is likely to improve with age as well.
The English international is a promising defender but if he wants to challenge for big trophies he should leave Leicester City.
Chelsea have been encouraged to sign the defender with Manchester City also interested in him.
