BBC pundits Clinton Morrison and Jobi McAnuff have questioned Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso’s decision to leave Estevao Willian on the bench during the dramatic Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool.
Chelsea were eliminated in the fourth round at Anfield, losing 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
However, Alonso’s refusal to introduce the highly-rated Brazilian winger left both pundits particularly disappointed.
While Chelsea dealt with injuries to key attacking players, Estevao remained an unused substitute as the Blues struggled to find the winning goal for Andoni Iraola’s side.
Morrison believes that a teenager should ask what else he needs to do to earn an opportunity.
Clinton Morrison stunned by Xabi Alonso’s Estevao decision
Speaking live on BBC Radio 5 during Chelsea’s fourth round tie against Liverpool, ex-Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison said he was completely baffled by Alonso’s benching of the Brazilian wonderkid for 90 minutes and the penalty shootout that followed:
“I don’t know how Estevao didn’t come on tonight. He must have been thinking, what am I supposed to do? We have injuries to two of our star players up front and I still can’t get on the pitch.”
Fellow pundit Joby McAnuff also criticized Alonso for not playing the Brazilian, saying:
“I think Xabi Alonso needs to answer soon [on why Estevao hasn’t played] because you can talk about injuries and penalties to strikers and still in a game like today he is the difference maker.
“If you’re a Liverpool defender, that’s the last person you want to see come on tonight. He gets on the ball, runs at you, makes things happen. I just feel there’s something stopping him from getting the game time at the moment, which we all sit here and think he should get.:
Liverpool were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Chelsea after a penalty shoot-out
On the field, “Chelsea” suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Andoni Iraola’s team.
Morgan Rogers first put the Blues ahead with a penalty in the 40th minute, before Cody Gakpo equalized for Liverpool with a spot-kick just before the break.
After the match ended 1:1, the tie went to a high-tension penalty shootout. Liverpool eventually held their nerve and knocked Chelsea out of the competition, winning 6-5.
Estevo has struggled for playing time, resulting in exit speculation
Estevao’s limited opportunities under Alonso have already raised questions about how prominently the Brazilian features in the manager’s plans.
The youngster is regarded as a very interesting prospect, but regular first-team minutes will be essential for his continued development.
According to some reports, there is interest from several clubs, including Liverpool, who have already contacted the player’s representatives.
Being left out as an unused substitute in a crucial knockout clash only added to the frustration with his current role at Stamford Bridge.
With European clubs reportedly monitoring his development ahead of the upcoming transfer windows, Alonso’s reluctance to trust the teenage star in big moments could fuel growing speculation over his long-term future at the club.