Xabi Alonso is yet to find his best XI at Chelsea, which is more than understandable.

Alonso has not been at Chelsea for long and is having to contend with several injury problems at the moment. Right now, he is without Joao Pedro, Maxence Lacroix and Emiliano Martinez to name a few players.

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez

Mike Penders played well in goal against Manchester United over the weekend. However, Martinez is still the more experienced shot-stopper and was starting to pick up form before fracturing his jaw away at Everton.

Right-back: Reece James

Chelsea have been playing in a 4-2-3-1 lately and have looked much better compared to when they have lined up with a back three. Reece James may not be able to play as a right wing-back because of his previous hamstring issues, but you would not hesitate to start him as a traditional right-back.

When the Chelsea captain is fit, he is one of the best players in his position in the world.

Centre-back: Josh Acheampong

Josh Acheampong has been playing at right-back recently, but he started the season on the right side of Alonso’s back three. The 20-year-old stands at 6’3″ and can carry the ball out of the backline, as he showed against United. His future is very likely to be in central defence, and with the way the England Under-21 international has defended this season, you can trust him with the responsibility that comes with playing there.

Centre-back: Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill is perfect for the left-sided centre-back position. After an underwhelming start to the season, the 23-year-old has picked up and looks far more comfortable now he is playing in a back two. He has the ability to pass the ball into midfield with his left foot and is never afraid to engage with the centre-forward.

An Acheampong and Colwill partnership means there is no room for Lacroix, who cost Chelsea £52m in the summer. But based on both form and ability, it would be hard to drop Acheampong, who was not expected to be a starter heading into this campaign.

Left-back: Jorrel Hato

There is probably not much between Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria right now. Hato is exceptional on the ball and has been very good going forward this term so just about gets the nod.

Defensive Midfielder: Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia reminded everyone of his ability with a phenomenal performance against Manchester United. It was Lavia’s best display since joining Chelsea from Southampton more than three years ago.

Moises Caicedo is a bit more all-action than Lavia, so in a double pivot, you would expect the former to go box-to-box, while the latter sits.

Central Midfielder: Moises Caicedo

This one needs no explanation!

Right winger: Estevao Willian

There is no reason to leave Estevao Willian out if you are going to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, which accommodates four attackers. Estevao made his first start in the Premier League under Alonso this season against United and was a constant threat out on that right-hand side.

Attacking midfielder: Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer is one of the best No.10s in the world. His form has been a bit patchy for a while now, but he is always capable of doing something from that attacking midfielder position. No one at Chelsea can rival the former Manchester City man for that spot.

Left winger: Morgan Rogers

Morgan Rogers has done so much damage in and around that sort of left half-space this season. The England star is not a traditional type of winger like Estevao, who can beat players right on the edge of the touchline, but in a 4-2-3-1 formation his starting position will be on the left flank.

Of course, there is scope to drift in and play in the left half-space, as we saw over the weekend.

Centre-forward: Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro is a top-three striker in the Premier League alongside Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s Alexander Isak. Chelsea have not been the same without him. When the Brazilian is fit, he is one of the first names on the team sheet.