'First and Last': Xabi Alonso Reveals Chelsea's Squad Screening Ahead of Premier League Return

Chelsea wrapped up their summer exhibition matches with a 3-1 win against Real Sociedad, yet Alonso's statements and multiple personnel moves are drawing attention to the team's lineup at Stamford Bridge before the Premier League kicks off again.

Chelsea enjoyed a fairly smooth final warm-up for the new season, beating Real Sociedad 3-1 at their home ground, Stamford Bridge. Costly newcomer Morgan Rogers opened the scoring on his very first appearance for the club, before Joao Pedro netted a brace in the second half.

After the match, Xabi Alonso made a rather notable comment when evaluating Chelsea's squad depth.

“For some players, this is both the first and the last match. There are positives, and also areas we need to work on. That's normal at this point.”, Alonso shared.

“First and last match” here does not hint at any player's future. Alonso was referring to those who just returned after the World Cup and only recently joined the squad. For them, the clash with Real Sociedad was their first pre-season friendly of the summer, but also the last because Chelsea will begin the Premier League in a week.

Morgan Rogers is the best example. The £117 million signing only started training with Chelsea on Tuesday but was immediately placed in the starting lineup by Alonso. Within minutes, the England international scored his first goal at Stamford Bridge, arriving at the right moment to tap in after Joao Pedro's header.

Alonso was especially satisfied that the returning players could still perform at a relatively high intensity.

“Some have only trained for three days but could still play 60 minutes. This was the final test. Now we have a full week to prepare for Fulham.”, the Spanish tactician stated.

But from another angle, Alonso's personnel choices in this very “final test” make the phrase “last time” even more significant.

Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Mamadou Sarr were all absent from the matchday squad despite no major fitness concerns. For a pre-season dress rehearsal, the fact that this group was not used by Alonso is a clear indication that they no longer have a secure place in the Spanish coach's plans and could depart within days.

Further, who knows, this match could also become a “first and last” in a completely different sense for Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine midfielder was introduced in the second half, even receiving the captain's armband, but the story of his future at Stamford Bridge is not truly over, even though Manchester City did not submit a £120 million bid before Chelsea's deadline.

Notably, Enzo was the player who generated the most divided reaction in the stands. A section of Chelsea fans booed when his name was announced and continued to react as he entered the pitch, while many others sang the 25-year-old midfielder's name in support. In a Stamford Bridge still split over Enzo, no one can be sure whether this return is merely the start of a new season, or will be remembered as one of his final appearances in a Chelsea shirt.