Xabi Alonso says Chelsea have a ‘very special’ young player he can’t wait to unleash
Xabi Alonso says Chelsea have a ‘very special’ young player he can’t wait to unleash in the coming weeks as his side prepare for Everton.
The trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium should reveal more about Alonso’s side than last weekend’s 5-1 demolition of Bournemouth. Chelsea were sharp and ruthless, but Everton have been among the hardest teams in the division to beat.
David Moyes’ men remain unbeaten after six league matches.
They sit above Chelsea on goal difference, with both clubs taking ten points, and will want a response after surrendering the lead twice in a 2-2 draw at Hull City.
Chelsea have scored 15 league goals, yet their defensive record remains a concern.
Alonso needs his team to carry the attacking confidence shown against Bournemouth without giving Everton the encouragement that other opponents have enjoyed.
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Chelsea’s last 10 meetings with Everton |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Date |
Fixture |
Score |
Competition |
Chelsea result |
|
21 March 2026 |
Everton vs Chelsea |
3–0 |
Premier League |
Loss |
|
13 December 2025 |
Chelsea vs Everton |
2–0 |
Premier League |
Win |
|
26 April 2025 |
Chelsea vs Everton |
1–0 |
Premier League |
Win |
|
22 December 2024 |
Everton vs Chelsea |
0–0 |
Premier League |
Draw |
|
15 April 2024 |
Chelsea vs Everton |
6–0 |
Premier League |
Win |
|
10 December 2023 |
Everton vs Chelsea |
2–0 |
Premier League |
Loss |
|
18 March 2023 |
Chelsea vs Everton |
2–2 |
Premier League |
Draw |
|
6 August 2022 |
Everton vs Chelsea |
0–1 |
Premier League |
Win |
|
1 May 2022 |
Everton vs Chelsea |
1–0 |
Premier League |
Loss |
|
16 December 2021 |
Chelsea vs Everton |
1–1 |
Premier League |
Draw |
Moisés Caicedo’s return has strengthened the midfield, while Jordan Henderson heads back to Merseyside after scoring twice and providing an assist last weekend.
However, Alonso will be without captain Reece James following knee surgery.
Jamie Gittens is also unavailable, while Emmanuel Emegha must wait longer for his first Chelsea appearance after suffering another minor fitness setback.
Emegha arrived from Strasbourg during the summer, but injuries have thus far stopped him building any rhythm.
The 23-year-old felt a problem in training on Thursday and will not be risked against Everton, although he is expected to resume work next week.
Xabi Alonso makes ‘very special’ Emmanuel Emegha claim before Everton clash
Alonso made it clear that the forward must be completely ready before Chelsea ask him to handle Premier League football, but suggests he can’t wait to unleash the ‘very special’ new recruit.
“He’s not [ready] yet; he felt something yesterday, little thing, he’s going to be training next week, but still not 100 per cent fit to be playing in the game,” said Alonso.
“When he’s fit, he’s very special because he’s 1.95 metres, he’s quick, he attacks the space, he’s a threat, so he needs to be fully fit.
“At this moment he’s had little things and unfortunately he’s not been available but we are looking forward to when he feels good and when he can help the team but it’s going to be difficult for the defenders when he’s in good shape.”
Those words offer a clear indication of why Chelsea brought Emegha to London.
His height makes him an obvious target inside the penalty area, but Alonso appears just as excited by what he can do beyond a traditional striker’s job.
João Pedro can link play and drift into pockets, while Emegha is capable of occupying centre backs and creating room for Palmer and the wide players with his pacey, direct runs.
His continued absence is frustrating after Chelsea committed to signing him as part of their latest squad rebuild, but Alonso is right to resist rushing a player who has already suffered several roadblocks.
Emegha’s debut will have to wait, but Alonso’s verdict suggests Chelsea believe they have a forward who can become a major problem for Premier League defenders once his body finally allows him to show it.
