Chelsea's Exciting New Defender: Palestra's Versatility

On the eve of Chelsea’s Premier League opener at Fulham on Monday night, Alonso made it clear why the club are so excited about their new defensive option.

The Spanish manager pointed straight at Palestra’s schooling in Serie A as the key difference.

He described the defender’s tactical upbringing in Italy as a rare asset in England, stressing how it has shaped a player comfortable operating on either side of the back line.

"I would say it's probably unusual in England because, in Italy for example, it's quite common, and he has had this education in Italian football to play both profiles. It doesn't matter if you are right-footed or left-footed, just that you are versatile. So he has this option, this energy. He's something different, maybe not that common here, but in Italy it's quite common," Alonso said, underlining the flexibility that first caught Chelsea’s eye.

That adaptability is only part of the appeal. Inside Cobham, Palestra has wasted no time making an impression beyond the training pitch.

"He's had a great impact as well in the changing room. He's integrated really well. He's a great guy and with this freshness that he has brought, apart from his football qualities, he's a very great addition to the club," Alonso added.

Chelsea head to Craven Cottage with a new defender who can play both sides and a manager already convinced he brings something different to an English dressing room.