Not Hazard – Maurizio Sarri claims this player is the best in Europe in his position

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri claimed Marcos Alonso is “maybe the best in Europe” in his position. The Spaniard was instrumental in our 2-0 win over Bournemouth but Sarri wanted the left-back to improve his defensive abilities.

The former Fiorentina man helped us to a 2-1 win over Newcastle United last time and also set up Eden Hazard for a goal in the win over the Cherries.

Sarri was quoted by the Independent as saying:

“Alonso, at the moment, [in] this position at left-back is maybe the best in Europe.

“Physical qualities at a top level, I think. He’s doing very well in the offensive phase. But I also think he can improve in the defensive phase. If he improves that, he could be the best left-back in the world.”

Chelsea got their fourth win on the trot, thanks to goals from Hazard and Pedro. Although Sarri was pleased with the result, he believed the team must improve.

“At the moment I’m very happy with my players. They improved very well during the week and in matches. I’m really very happy to have 12 points from four matches, but I always think we can do more. We can improve. Especially in the performance, of course. We can improve.”

The Italian was quick to suggest that closing the gap to Manchester City from last season would be difficult but that he is concentrating only on the next game.

Read more: N’Golo Kante starred but who flopped for Chelsea? Player ratings from 2-0 win over Bournemouth

The international break hasn’t come at the right time for us as we could have built on recent results. However, the two-week gap will provide Sarri with more time to work with the players and get his methods across.