Xabi Alonso explains Estevao omission after Chelsea’s Carabao Cup exit

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Xabi Alonso has defended Estevao’s lack of involvement in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool. Estevao had started Chelsea’s previous two games in the Carabao Cup, with the competition offering the 19-year-old forward an opportunity for minutes that have so far proved elusive in the Premier League.

Geovany Quenda, who started Chelsea’s defeat to Tottenham on Saturday, was also an unused substitute. Responding to a question over his use of Estevao, Alonso replied: “Well, we started with Pedro [Neto], with Danny [Welbeck] and with Morgan [Rogers] up front.

Alonso’s preference to play a system with wing-backs and narrow No 10s may have led to Estevao’s lack of involvements in Chelsea’s team this season. Portuguese winger Neto has impressed with his versatility to play both at wing-back and in Chelsea’s front three, where he started at Anfield.