‘The best response’ – Alonso delighted for Chelsea duo in win over Man Utd

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso says Estevao’s performance against Manchester United was the “best response” to his recent lack of hame time.

The Brazilian has struggled for game time of late but was handed a start at Stamford Bridge and made the most of it, impressing in his side’s 2-0 win.

“We spoke after Tottenham and he knew that he was going to be playing today,” Alonso said on the youngster.

“He has had the best response to show that he deserves more, that he was prepared and that’s what you want from a football player, so I’m very happy for him.

“He deserved to enjoy his game, he had a good connection with the crowd. He was really close to scoring that goal.

“At the end he fought really hard, he was tired and it has been a good day for him.”

Alonso said he felt the game would suit Estevao and was pleased with the threat he provided.

“I had an idea and I had clear that he could have a good impact today and he has shown it,” he said.

“I think that he’s been a threat, he has created many chances, many situations where we could score and he has shown it good.”

The Chelsea boss was also full of praise for Romeo Lavia, who started after Jordan Henderson was ruled out through illness.

“From a midfielder point of view, for me it has been a top, top performance,” Alonso said.

“He’s done so many things right, he’s been always connecting the defence with the attacker players, he’s been able to switch the game, he’s taken many right decisions, he’s been very dynamic, competitive.

“So I think that not just this game, for the last two, three weeks he’s been playing at a very good level and I’m very happy for him and today he deserves a huge recognition for his performance.”