The match featured goals, penalties, on-field confrontations, and a penalty shoot-out that was ultimately cancelled, leaving at least one Chelsea staff member displeased with the outcome. After full time, Chelsea’s head of first-team operations, Kevin Campello, was heard commenting, “It’s written in the contract.”
Overall, the game provided plenty of talking points as Alonso made a series of surprising calls in his squad selection and tactical approach.
Dario Essugo named Chelsea captain
With Reece James, Enzo Fernández, Moises Caicedo, and Levi Colwill all unavailable for varying reasons, it was notable that 21-year-old Dario Essugo led the team as captain from the outset. Experienced defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who has captained Chelsea in the past and was available for selection, was named in the starting XI as well.
Essugo’s moment as captain was a highlight, though it is unlikely he will carry the armband into the regular season. The decision underscored Alonso’s willingness to experiment with leadership roles within a developing squad.
Jamie Gittens and Geovany Quenda start as wing-backs
Jamie Gittens started on the left wing-back position, with Geovany Quenda deployed on the opposite flank. This pairing was a surprise for many observers.
Gittens offered threatening forays forward, but defensively he appeared more exposed. In the first half, most of Johor Darul Ta’zim’s attacking attempts came down Chelsea’s left side.
Looking ahead, Gittens in the left wing-back role is likely to be temporary. Alonso has options for that position, including Jorrel Hato, Marco Palestra, and Pep Chavarria, who can contribute there. Chavarria is expected to join Chelsea from Rayo Vallecano, offering a more natural fit for the position.
The pre-season tour has produced a variety of lineups and systems from Alonso, contributing to an intriguing buildup to the new season.
