Chelsea star ‘is a Barcelona fan’ and could make January switch – report One Chelsea star could join Barcelona in January as he supports the Catalan giants, according to a report. The Blues seem to be enjoying life under German manager Thomas Tuchel. They won last season’s Champions League, beating Man City in the final, before lifting the UEFA Super Cup on August 11. They have a great chance at topping the Premier League this term after winning eight of their first 11 matches. Their only defeat came against Pep Guardiola’s side in September. Tuchel likes to operate with a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1 formation, which relies heavily upon the ability of his wing-backs. Ben Chilwell was kept on the bench for the first six games of the campaign, due to Marcos Alonso, but is now in full swing. He registered goals in three consecutive league fixtures during October. On the other side, fellow Englishman Reece James is really coming into his own. He scored in the 7-0 thrashing of Norwich City before sending two powerful strikes past Newcastle keeper Karl Darlow in a 3-0 away win. Cesar Azpilicueta can play at either centre-back or right wing-back and is James’ backup in the event of an injury. But reports now suggest that Spanish titans Barcelona will go after one of Chelsea’s attacking full-backs in January. That man is five-time Spain international Alonso. Sport Witness, citing reports in the Spanish press, write that he is a ‘recognised follower’ of the Blaugrana. His father, Marcos Alonso Pena, made 159 appearances for the club between 1982 and 1987. The former attacking midfielder also broke the Spanish transfer record when joining Barca from Atletico Madrid. Alonso has a passion for the club, despite coming through the ranks at rival club Real Madrid. His support could help a transfer to the Nou Camp go ahead in January. New boss Xavi is looking for competition on either side of his defence. Club legend Dani Alves recently returned to rival Sergino Dest for a starting spot at right-back. Jordi Alba is the only option on the left flank, which is where Alonso could come in. But a transfer will depend on Tuchel’s wishes. If he needs the 30-year-old to compete on all fronts then a January switch will likely be refused. Give our social media channels a follow – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Former Chelsea man reveals Mourinho influence Meanwhile, former Chelsea star Tammy Abraham has revealed how Jose Mourinho has changed his game. The striker left Stamford Bridge earlier this year to join Roma. He is on five goals for the campaign so far. On what Mourinho had taught him at the Stadio Olimpico, Abraham said: “Just be a monster really! “I think one of the things he said was I was too much of a nice player. You have to show that aggressiveness as you’re getting older as a striker. “It’s not always about being nice on the pitch. You need that character, you need that presence to frighten defenders. I think that’s something I’m learning and getting better at.” READ MORE: Chelsea raise stakes in midfield transfer battle as rivals get ‘frightened’ The post Chelsea star ‘is a Barcelona fan’ and could make January switch – report appeared first on TEAMtalk.

One Chelsea star could join Barcelona in January as he supports the Catalan giants, according to a report.

The Blues seem to be enjoying life under German manager Thomas Tuchel. They won last season’s Champions League, beating Man City in the final, before lifting the UEFA Super Cup on August 11.

They have a great chance at topping the Premier League this term after winning eight of their first 11 matches. Their only defeat came against Pep Guardiola’s side in September.

Tuchel likes to operate with a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1 formation, which relies heavily upon the ability of his wing-backs. Ben Chilwell was kept on the bench for the first six games of the campaign, due to Marcos Alonso, but is now in full swing. He registered goals in three consecutive league fixtures during October.

On the other side, fellow Englishman Reece James is really coming into his own. He scored in the 7-0 thrashing of Norwich City before sending two powerful strikes past Newcastle keeper Karl Darlow in a 3-0 away win.

Cesar Azpilicueta can play at either centre-back or right wing-back and is James’ backup in the event of an injury.

But reports now suggest that Spanish titans Barcelona will go after one of Chelsea’s attacking full-backs in January.

That man is five-time Spain international Alonso. Sport Witness, citing reports in the Spanish press, write that he is a ‘recognised follower’ of the Blaugrana. His father, Marcos Alonso Pena, made 159 appearances for the club between 1982 and 1987.

The former attacking midfielder also broke the Spanish transfer record when joining Barca from Atletico Madrid.

Alonso has a passion for the club, despite coming through the ranks at rival club Real Madrid. His support could help a transfer to the Nou Camp go ahead in January.

New boss Xavi is looking for competition on either side of his defence. Club legend Dani Alves recently returned to rival Sergino Dest for a starting spot at right-back.

Jordi Alba is the only option on the left flank, which is where Alonso could come in. But a transfer will depend on Tuchel’s wishes. If he needs the 30-year-old to compete on all fronts then a January switch will likely be refused.

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Former Chelsea man reveals Mourinho influence

Meanwhile, former Chelsea star Tammy Abraham has revealed how Jose Mourinho has changed his game.

The striker left Stamford Bridge earlier this year to join Roma. He is on five goals for the campaign so far.

On what Mourinho had taught him at the Stadio Olimpico, Abraham said: “Just be a monster really!

“I think one of the things he said was I was too much of a nice player. You have to show that aggressiveness as you’re getting older as a striker.

“It’s not always about being nice on the pitch. You need that character, you need that presence to frighten defenders. I think that’s something I’m learning and getting better at.”

READ MORE: Chelsea raise stakes in midfield transfer battle as rivals get ‘frightened’

The post Chelsea star ‘is a Barcelona fan’ and could make January switch – report appeared first on TEAMtalk.

James Holland