02 Jul 2026 15:44:36
With Marco Palestra and Geovany Quenda both coming in as wing backs where does that leave Reece James? Does he move into midfield next to Moises? Probably not with Granit Xhaka possibly filling that role? Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill will both start as CB's so maybe Alonso sees James on the right of a back 3? Hato at LWB with Pep Chavarria, if he joins, competing for that spot? Or does Hato play on the left of a back 3? Josh will certainly be in the mix for that RCB role as well as Alonso is rumoured to be a big fan of his.
The options are looking encouraging for Xabi to work his magic.
02 Jul 2026 16:24:45
Very good for Alomso to have options and back up possibilities. Seems to me that Reece is sadly not going to be consistently fit, so it's that much more important to have alternative options, if only especially if Gusto goes to City or Atalanta.
As it is, Palestra is perhaps more of a classical RB, though can play RWB, and Quenda is an out and out winger but who can also play RWB. So they offer slightly different possibilities. All good that they can.
02 Jul 2026 17:57:11
It will be interesting to see who starts against Fulham, but lots can happen before then. Quenda might be loaned out. There are still some weaknesses in the squad. I hope Penders impresses in pre-season; it would be disappointing if Calamity Jane is still our No 1.
Although it's hard to imagine that he would suit Alonso's style of play, as Alonso likes his keeper to be pivotal in controlling a high press by opponents. We shall see.
03 Jul 2026 06:40:10
Alonso wants tactical flexibility. He wants players comfortable in multiple positions. I think, keeping fingers crossed, that we push the Lacroix deal through, and that we're building a very positive defensive unit for him.
03 Jul 2026 14:56:49
I will also hope we get the Lacroix deal done. And it would be good indeed if we could do our business as early as possible, tricky while the World Cup is still on and players of interest are still involved, of course, so that Alonso has as much time as possible to know and work with players that will be in our squad for next season.