Villanovense Overview

Spanish icon Pedro has officially hung up his boots at the age of 39, bringing an end to one of the most decorated careers in modern football history. The former Barcelona and Chelsea star confirmed his decision to retire four months after the conclusion of his final professional contract in Serie A.

Xabi Alonso's Chelsea have scored freely, but they've also conceded 12 goals in five games, the most in the league, and the cracks showed in a 3-0 loss at Brentford. With a leaky defence, a midfield short on control after the Enzo Fernández and Andrey Santos sales, and a Rogers, Palmer and João Pedro attack that is a joy to watch, the team is gifted but lopsided. So what is Alonso actually building, and can he find the balance before the season slips away?

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