Chelsea’s failure to secure UEFA Champions League qualification has once again highlighted the gap between potential and output.
Despite an abundance of young talent and significant investment, the squad still lacks balance in key areas: cutting-edge in attack, defensive reliability in transition, and consistency in game management.
Under Xabi Alonso’s expected arrival, Chelsea would move towards a more structured, vertical, and positionally disciplined system. The Spaniard’s tactical blueprint at Bayer Leverkusen has been built on compact spacing, aggressive counter-pressing, and quick attacking transitions. To make that system work in the Premier League, Chelsea needs targeted reinforcements.
Said El Mala, Deniz Undav, and Murillo each address a different structural weakness and could collectively push Chelsea back into the top four conversation.
Said El Mala
One of Chelsea’s recurring issues this season has been a lack of consistent threat from wide areas. While the squad contains technically gifted attackers, there is often a shortage of directness, players willing to take defenders on, stretch back lines, and create instability in 1v1 situations.
Said El Mala offers exactly that profile, with 18 goal contributions last season. The FC Koln attacker has emerged as one of the most exciting young wide forwards in Germany, built on acceleration, fearless dribbling, and the ability to break down defensive structures with individual play.
His game is not dependent on elaborate buildup; instead, he thrives in transitional moments where space opens up, and defenders are isolated. Statistically, his profile stands out for progressive carries, successful dribbles, and high involvement in final-third actions relative to his minutes. These are the kinds of metrics that reflect a player who actively changes game states rather than simply participating in possession.
For Xabi Alonso’s system, El Mala would be a valuable tactical weapon. Alonso’s teams excel in winning the ball high and attacking quickly into space. El Mala’s directness would amplify that approach, giving Chelsea a wide forward capable of turning defensive recoveries into immediate chances.
He would also relieve pressure on central creators by providing a genuine outlet in wide isolation situations, something Chelsea have lacked since the departure of more direct wide attackers in recent seasons. However, they will face stiff competition for his signature, with Liverpool also reportedly interested in him.
Deniz Undav (VfB Stuttgart)
Chelsea’s biggest attacking issue is not just chance creation, but chance conversion. Too often, they dominate possession without a reliable presence in the box who can consistently finish moves or hold up play under pressure. While young forwards have shown promise, the squad still lacks an experienced, instinctive striker who understands the defensive structures at the Bundesliga and Premier League levels.
Deniz Undav brings that solution. The 29-year-old produced 25 goals and 14 assists last season, and he would be a huge upgrade on Liam Delap. At Stuttgart, Undav has proven himself to be a highly intelligent forward who combines movement, link-up play, and clinical finishing. He is not a traditional target man, nor purely a poacher, but a modern striker who adapts to the flow of the game.
His off-ball movement is one of his strongest traits. He consistently finds space between centre-backs, attacks near-post zones, and drops into midfield pockets to combine with advancing midfielders. This would be particularly valuable in Alonso’s system, where forwards are often required to connect play rather than simply finish it.
Undav also offers pressing intelligence. Alonso’s teams rely heavily on coordinated pressing triggers, and the German striker’s work rate and positional awareness make him well-suited to that demand. He can initiate pressure from the front while maintaining discipline in defensive shape. In short, he provides Chelsea with reliability, something they have lacked in the final third.
Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
If Chelsea’s attack needs structure, their defence needs stability. Inconsistent defensive performances and vulnerability in transition have cost Chelsea valuable points over the course of the season. Even when possession is dominant, the back line has often looked exposed when the opposition breaks forward quickly.
Murillo has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most promising young centre-backs at Nottingham Forest, combining composure, aggression, and impressive reading of the game. What stands out most is his ability in defensive transitions. Murillo is quick across the ground, comfortable defending large spaces, and decisive in 1v1 duels.
These are essential qualities in Alonso’s system, where centre-backs are often required to defend in wider channels due to aggressive wing-back positioning. On the ball, Murillo is equally valuable. He is comfortable stepping into midfield, progressing play through passes or carries, and resisting pressure in buildup phases.
This aligns perfectly with Alonso’s preference for ball-playing defenders who can initiate attacks rather than simply recycle possession. At just 23 years old, he also fits Chelsea’s long-term recruitment model while still offering immediate Premier League readiness. However, like the others, Murillo has attracted interest from several well-known clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid.
Final thoughts
Chelsea’s path back into the top four does not require a complete overhaul, but it does demand smarter structural additions tailored to Xabi Alonso’s tactical demands.
Said El Mala would add directness and unpredictability in wide areas. Deniz Undav would provide a reliable attacking focal point and pressing reference. Murillo would strengthen defensive stability while improving the quality of buildup.
Together, these three signings would not only address Chelsea’s current weaknesses but also provide the tactical foundation for a more coherent, competitive, and consistent side capable of returning to the Champions League places.
