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Chelsea news: Sky Sports pundit is surprised star has kept starting spot under Sarri
CHELSEA star Marcos Alonso has had a surprisingly good start to the season under Maurizio Sarri.
Newcastle vs Chelsea: Premier League clash preview
That is the verdict of Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal forward Charlie Nicholas.
Alonso provided two assists and scored the winner in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Arsenal last weekend.
The Spaniard has started both games under new boss Sarri, with the Blues picking up six points from six.
But Nicholas admits he was surprised to see Alonso begin the season in Sarri’s back four.
I’m probably surprised with a back four that he’s kept his position
Alonso joined Chelsea in the summer of 2016 and spent the majority of his first two campaigns at the club as a wing-back under Antonio Conte.
However, Sarri’s change in formation from Conte means a different role for the former Bolton man.
And while analysing Alonso’s performance against Arsenal, Nicholas admits he has been impressed with the 27-year-old.
“(I’m) probably surprised with a back four that he’s kept his position,” he said.
“I think he’s ever so productive in the wing-back position.
“It’s a lovely run, positive run and a lovely weighted pick out. And he’s got that.
“He’s always had a problem for me when he comes in at the back post whether he’s good enough to get that final ball set up.
“It tends to be more, when he comes in at the back post, he’s looking to get a header in.
Marcos Alonso practices his goal shooting in training
“I know he ends up scoring the winner in that one.
“But he’s started the campaign well, looks very natural and very comfortable.”
Alonso is set to keep his starting spot when Chelsea visit Newcastle this afternoon (4pm).
Rafa Benitez's side have collected one point from their opening two games against Tottenham and Cardiff.