Chelsea
Xabi Alonso has defended his decision to bench Estevao during Chelsea’s defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. The youngster remained na unused sub during the game and he has barely played this season. Alonso says that squad and tactical balances dictate his team selections.
ALONSO BENCHES ESTEVAO AS CHELSEA FALL TO LIVERPOOL IN CUP EXIT
As reported by The Independent, Alonso defended his decision to bench Estevao during Chelsea’s exit to Liverpool. The Blues crashed out of the competition at Anfield missing key attacking players yet Alonso ignored the young Brazilian for the game.
Estevao has barely played for Chelsea starting only 2 cup games for the Blues, he has played only 53 minutes across 6 matches and is yet to make a premier league start.
Alonso continues to overlook the player leaving many football experts and fans frustrated about the lack of playing time. Chelsea fans eagerly want to see the player bring his skills on the pitch.
Estevao’s stats at Chelsea during the 2025/2026 season as perFOTMOB**:**
Competitions Matches Goals Assists
Premier League 22 2 2
FA Cup 3 2 1
EFL Cup 4 1 0
Champions League 7 3 0
ALONSO EXPLAINS WINGER’S SNUB AS INJURIES LIMIT SUBSTITUTIONS
Alonso started Rogers, Welbeck and Neto in attack in the loss to Liverpool. He made 4 of the 5 subs during the match, Alonso used 1 attacking sub sending Emegha for Welbeck.
Forced defensive changes also changed his strategy, fitness concerns forced out Malo Gusto and Moises Caicedo while Maxence Lacroix limped away with a hamstring injury. These injuries forced Alonso to prioritize his midfield and defence instead of attacking players.
Alonso explained after the game that intense physical play limits his choices, however he assured fans that every player will get chances over the season. Estevao impressed last season with 8 goals before a hamstring injury sidelined him from the World Cup.
Chelsea
ALONSO PROMISES ESTEVAO HIS TIME OVER LACK OF MINUTES
Alonso faces pressure over the lack of minutes for Estevao, the 19-year-old remains keen to be a key player at the Bridge. He demands more physicality and tactical discipline from the player before giving him starts. Injuries to key players also create a problem for squad rotation, Lacroix suffered a hamstring injury while Caicedo and Gusto struggled with muscle fatigue.
Chelsea fans continue demanding Estevao’s addition to the squad. Upcoming PL and cup games also provide chances for the player. Alonso insists that chances will arise for the player over the long season. The winger aims to continue to impress and be a regular for Chelsea.
Authors Opinion:
Alonso makes a point about managing players fitness during an injury crisis but leaving Estevao on the bench and not giving him any minutes is a missed opportunity. The Brazilian brings a much needed creative spark which Chelsea lack, while injuries forced changes the lack of chances to the talented youngster frustrating the fans. If Alonso believes in him then he will likely give the player chances to prove himself.