# Premier League Buildup: Alonso, Mourinho and Vinícius

> Premier League managers weigh defence, goalkeeping and Vinícius ahead of matchday.
- Title: Premier League Buildup: Alonso, Mourinho and Vinícius
- Summary: Premier League managers weigh defence, goalkeeping and Vinícius ahead of matchday. Xabi Alonso says Chelsea needs defensive focus and goal-scoring to win…
- Keywords: xabi alonso, chelsea, everton, jordan pickford, england, james trafoird, premier league, manchester city, sports, Premier, League, Buildup
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/live/2026/oct/17/manchester-city-in-action-premier-league-buildup-and-more-matchday-live
- Published: 2026-10-17T11:01:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: xabi alonso, chelsea, everton, jordan pickford, england, james trafoird, premier league, manchester city, sports
## Chelsea defence focus
Xabi Alonso says Chelsea needs defensive focus and goal-scoring to win trophies.

> You need a lot of clean sheets to win trophies
## Alonso's captaincy challenge
Alonso leads Chelsea without captain Reece James after knee surgery.
## Pickford's England status
David Moyes says Jordan Pickford remains England's best goalkeeper despite competition from James Trafford.

> I don't see Jordan falling away at the moment
## Key takeaway

Xabi Alonso says Chelsea needs defensive focus and goal-scoring to win trophies, while David Moyes believes Jordan Pickford remains England's best goalkeeper despite competition from James Trafford.