Chelsea’s recent performances are strengthening hopes that Xabi Alonso can build a team capable of challenging at the highest level, with several players showing encouraging signs of progress under the Spanish coach.
Chelsea supporters are beginning to see similarities between Alonso’s current work at Stamford Bridge and the impressive transformation he oversaw at Bayer Leverkusen.
During his time in Germany, Alonso helped develop a competitive, tactically disciplined side that won the Bundesliga title unbeaten in the 2023/24 season. Players such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka and Victor Boniface played important roles in that successful campaign.
Now, Chelsea fans are hoping he can create a similar impact in west London.
Pedro Neto, Josh Acheampong, Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Jorrel Hato are among the players attracting attention as Alonso continues to shape his team. Neto has made a particularly strong impression recently, scoring twice in Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on October 17, 2026. Hato also contributed to the opening goal with an excellent attacking run, while Acheampong has been earning regular opportunities in defence.
João Pedro has also impressed, scoring twice in Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth, while Palmer remains an important part of the team's attacking plans. These performances suggest that Alonso is beginning to find a more effective balance between individual quality and collective organisation.
Chelsea’s defensive improvement is another encouraging development. Following the heavy criticism of their defensive displays before the international break, the Blues conceded just once across their victories over Bournemouth and Everton, recording their first Premier League clean sheet of the season against Everton.
The progress has strengthened the argument that Alonso’s tactical adjustments and growing familiarity with his players could help Chelsea become more consistent.
However, comparisons with his Leverkusen side should be made carefully. Although several players from that Bundesliga-winning team have experienced different challenges since Alonso’s departure, it would be misleading to attribute their subsequent form solely to his absence. Changes in coaching, injuries, squad circumstances and individual development can all influence a player's performances.
For Chelsea, the bigger question is whether the early signs of improvement can be sustained throughout the season. Alonso will need time, backing and a settled squad to implement his ideas fully.
Many supporters believe that patience could be crucial. Rather than repeatedly changing direction, Chelsea could benefit from allowing their manager to establish a clear footballing identity and build a team around his long-term vision.
The recent victories offer reasons for optimism, but the real test will be maintaining those standards against stronger opposition and across a demanding run of fixtures.
If Alonso can reproduce even part of the consistency, tactical organisation and player development that characterised his Leverkusen project, Chelsea could have a manager capable of taking the club to another level. For now, the performances are encouraging, and the priority is turning that promise into sustained success.