Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has not given Estevao Willian much playing time this season, but he felt safe enough to start him against Manchester United.
The Blues boss has been cautious about using Estevao so far this season, but he reportedly saw United as weak enough defensively for the young Brazilian to make an impact, according to the Daily Mail.
The 19-year-old ended up having a good game, causing the Red Devils problems all day long and having a goal very harshly disallowed for offside after a VAR check.
Can Estevao Willian bounce back under Xabi Alonso?
Still, his second season has proven more of a challenge, with Alonso favouring Cole Palmer and summer signing Morgan Rogers in his front three, while his use of three at the back and wing-backs also limits opportunities for more attacking players.
Estevao did well for Chelsea against United, though, so it seems clear that the occasional chance will be there for the youngster, and he’s surely done his best to give Alonso something to think about.
Embarrassment for Manchester United
Still, it’s embarrassing from a United point of view that Alonso felt they were a weak enough side that he could start someone who wouldn’t normally be trusted to make the first XI.
Michael Carrick’s side actually started the game at Stamford Bridge quite well, but were blown away in the second period.
United have since responded with a 3-2 win over Roma, but there’s still a lot of improvement required from these players if they are to be feared by rivals like Chelsea again.
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