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Chelsea fullback Pep Chavarria has put in some strong displays for the Blues in recent weeks.

The 28-year-old was a left-field signing when he was snapped up from Rayo Vallecano during the summer transfer window.

Chavarria was purchased on the recommendation of Xabi Alonso, and fans on X believe the club’s decision to trust in their manager’s judgement has paid off:

@Blue_Footy I’ve always knew bros a baller

— VicTory 💚 (@TheyHateVicTory) October 14, 2026

@Blue_Footy Very underrated

— TINO MAKANAKI ♐ (@Tinomakanaki) October 14, 2026

@Blue_Footy Low risk and always available as well. In 3 transfer windows, if we trust and follow Alonso completely we will have a team that can compete everywhere consistently.

— DemiCFC (@uniquedemi2030) October 14, 2026

@Blue_Footy Holy smoke, we massively upgraded from Cucurella 😂🤮🤮🤮

— Chelsea geek (@HermanMakh89988) October 14, 2026

@Blue_Footy He’s adapting nicely

— seɖjro🇧🇯 (@Bayo_ibk) October 14, 2026

Chavarria didn’t cost a lot to sign

The Blues were locked in negotiations with Rayo Vallecano for quite some time, and there were even reports that the La Liga side were holding out for his €50m (£42m) release clause.

However, Alonso’s side eventually negotiated down the fee to as little as £16.3m, plus add-ons, which is next to nothing in the modern game.

Of course, it’s too early to make any definitive judgement on the player, but he is looking like a bargain at the moment.

Chelsea have a lot of competition at wingback

Alonso is spoiled for choice out wide. In addition to Chavarria, he can call upon Pedro Neto, Jorrel Hato, Malo Gusto, Marco Palestra and Reece James.

It is an important area in the manager’s system, so the wealth of options can only be a good thing. The fact that Alonso is beginning to rely on Chavarria for the left-hand side, though, demonstrates how well the Spanish defender is playing at the moment.

Many supporters felt that he would only have a bit-part role, but after starting the last two league games, it looks like he is set for a long stint in the starting eleven, as long as he can maintain his current level of performance.