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Xabi Alonso blasted for making ‘worrying’ Estevao Willian and Chelsea decision

Estevao Willian was used from the bench on Sunday afternoon at Sunderland despite impressing for Chelsea the weekend before against Manchester United…

By Bobby Vincent · Football London

Published: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 4:05 PM

Key Things to Know

Paul Merson criticized Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso for benching Estevao Willian in a loss against Sunderland.
Alonso brought on Estevao at halftime to replace Levi Colwill, but Sunderland secured the victory.
Merson argued Alonso showed too much respect to bottom-placed Sunderland instead of trying to win.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Pundit Paul Merson criticized Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso for benching Estevao Willian in Chelsea's defeat against Sunderland. Alonso brought the 19-year-old on at halftime as a substitute for Levi Colwill, but Sunderland claimed all three points against the Blues. Writing in his Sky Sports column, Merson argued that Alonso made a worrying mistake by not starting Estevao after his standout performance against Manchester United a week earlier.

Alonso has started Estevao only once in the Premier League this season. Despite limited club minutes, the winger was selected by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil's upcoming friendlies against Japan and Singapore ahead of Chelsea's clash with Leeds United.

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Xabi Alonso blasted for making ‘worrying’ Estevao Willian and Chelsea decision

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