It is now nearly three months since our last game, and with the return of football now on the horizon, we’re helping remind you how the 2019/20 campaign was going for each of our players. Next up is Marcos Alonso, who made plenty of positive contributions during his time on the pitch.

Marcos Alonso: 20 appearances (one as a sub), four goals, two assists

‘I can’t ask anymore from players that don’t play regularly than they are professional, they train well, they keep their head down and do the right things then come in and perform like that. Marcos is a great example for the younger players. I’ve been really pleased with him.’

Following hot on the heels of a superb strike against Tottenham, Marcos Alonso’s brace at Bournemouth in our last away game before lockdown earned Chelsea a point, and the Spaniard words of praise and gratitude from Frank Lampard.

Although Alonso has featured more often than anyone else at left-back or left wing-back this season, his 20 appearances so far have predominantly come in two chunks, and show he has not consistently been a first-choice pick.

Alonso's goal contributions

When he has played, he has played well. His first league start was at left wing-back in our superb win at Wolves, when he set up Tammy Abraham’s second goal and also helped keep the lively Adama Traore quiet.

He then started our next five league games, at left-back, creating a goal in another handsome away win at Southampton, and scoring the winner with a trademark left-footer to break down a stubborn Newcastle. He was also excellent as we kept a clean sheet away to Ajax, but had difficulty in the return game and was withdrawn at the break.

Emerson or Cesar Azpilicueta were then preferred until shortly before Christmas, when Lampard reverted to a wing-back system to great success away to Tottenham. Alonso’s driving runs proved effective, and after such one foray from deep he was wiped up for the penalty that put us 2-0 up.

Alonso's Premier League nominations

A muscle injury sustained in training ruled him out of the next two games, and instigated another spell out of the team. Indeed, it was the reverse fixture against Tottenham when he was next in league action, two months to the day since that triumph in north London. He again left a positive mark, driving home a sweet effort from outside the box to put us 2-0 up early in the second half. The goal was nominated for the best scored in the Premier League in February, and proved to be the decider in another derby win.

Alonso was then dismissed for the first time in his Chelsea career for an off-the-ball incident as we were beaten by Bayern in the Champions League. He responded positively to that setback, netting a well-taken brace at Bournemouth three days later. He was deservedly on the shortlist for the Premier League Player of the Month.

Of Alonso’s 11 league appearances so far this season, we have won nine, drawn at Bournemouth, and lost to Liverpool. Only Tammy Abraham, Willian, Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic have scored more often in the Premier League. As has been the case throughout his time at Chelsea, Alonso remains a serious goal threat, and his hard work even when out of the team has been appreciated by Lampard.

Marcos Alonso's Premier League stats 2019/20

Their season so far: Mateo Kovacic

Their season so far: Tammy Abraham

Their season so far: Mason Mount

Marcos Alonso stats

Marcos Alonso Premier League appearances 2019/20

Marcos Alonso has played 11 games in the Premier League so far in 2019/20.

Marcos Alonso Champions League appearances 2019/20

Marcos Alonso has played five games in the Champions League in 2019/20.

Marcos Alonso FA Cup appearances 2019/20

Marcos Alonso has played two FA Cup games so far in 2019/20, against Hull and Liverpool in our last two victories.

Marcos Alonso Carabao Cup appearances 2019/20

Marcos Alonso started both of our Carabao Cup games this season.

Marcos Alonso goals 2019/20

Marcos Alonso has scored four times so far this season, all in the Premier League. He netted the winning goal against Newcastle and Tottenham at home, and twice in an away draw at Bournemouth.