Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has told Marcos Alonso he has the potential to be ‘the best left-back in Europe’.
Alonso signed a new contract at Chelsea on Wednesday that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2023.
The Spain international won the Premier League title in his first season in west London under Antonio Conte and also helped Chelsea win last season’s FA Cup.
Sarri says Alonso can still improve and believes he can emerge as the best left-back in Europe at Chelsea.
‘I’m very happy for him. He can be the best left-back in Europe,’ Sarri said when asked about Alonso’s new deal.
‘He needs to improve in the defensive phase as he played in a five more, now he plays in a four.
‘If he can improve he can be the best left-back in Europe.’ Responding to Sarri’s comments, Alonso said:
‘That’s nice words from him. It has been one of my dreams to become the best in my position. ‘My intention has always been to stay here. I am very happy to sign.
‘I am so happy to stay here longer and to keep playing for one of the best teams in the world.
Five more years. 🙌
Congratulations on the new contract, @marcosalonso03! 👊 pic.twitter.com/dhtn4fRqDY
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 24, 2018