Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso called out for 'worrying' Estêvão Willian decision

Paul Merson believes Xabi Alonso "played into Sunderland's hands" on Sunday and also criticized the Chelsea manager for not starting Estêvão Willian. Despite delivering one of his finest displays in a Blues shirt just eight days earlier during the 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, Estêvão started on the bench at the Stadium of Light. The Brazilian was introduced at halftime to replace Levi Colwill, who endured a difficult opening 45 minutes up against Black Cats striker Brian Brobbey. The 19-year-old was unable to turn the tide for the visiting side in the second half, as Sunderland secured a vital three points, via football.london . Lifelong Chelsea supporter Merson feels Alonso got his team selection badly wrong by leaving the teenager out of the starting lineup. Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac address Wrexham executive’s abrupt exit USMNT legend Alexi Lalas on Mauricio Pochettino to Man Utd links amidst pressure on Michael Carrick Writing in his Sky Sports column , the former Arsenal midfielder said: "I thought Xabi Alonso played into Sunderland's hands, if I'm being honest. He went there and showed them a little bit more respect than what I thought he should have. "They were bottom of the league with five points, and they were bottom of the league with five points for a reason. "Do you know what really worried me? Estêvão was Chelsea's best player by a million miles last week against Manchester United - especially in the first half when they were really bad. They should have been 2-0 down at half-time. "But all of a sudden, they go to Sunderland and he's not playing. And he was missed. He's someone who can take the ball up the pitch for them. "Alonso had to pick Estêvão, play the same team they put out against Man Utd and get him to run with the ball. Instead, he tried to make it tight, and make sure they don't get beat over winning the game." To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE Alonso has handed Estêvão a Premier League start on just one occasion this season, fueling speculation regarding the Brazilian's future at the club — though such talk has somewhat subsided following his appearance against Manchester United. Chelsea host Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on November 21, their first fixture following the final international break of 2026. Estêvão, meanwhile, has been named in Carlo Ancelotti's latest Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies against Japan and Singapore. Despite limited playing time at Stamford Bridge, Ancelotti has urged Estêvão to seize his opportunity on the international stage: "We hope he can show all the quality he has. We'll keep an eye on him. "If he doesn't play a single minute at Chelsea, we'll keep an eye on him until the day we think he's no longer useful for the national team." Brazil's second friendly, scheduled for November 17 in Singapore at the National Stadium in Kallang, poses a logistical headache for Estêvão, with the roughly 15-hour return flight to London set to significantly disrupt his preparations ahead of the Leeds clash.